Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer

Location: Stafford

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Job Description Summary

We are looking for a Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer with strong experience in substation panel design, protection hardware selection, and HVDC control systems. The role requires good knowledge of IEC/IEEE standards, IEC 61850, digital substation hardware architecture, and selection of key hardware components used in Control, Protection, Measurement, and Communication systems.
The Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer will be responsible for developing robust, standards-compliant solutions for substation control and protection panels, including component selection, detailed electrical and mechanical design, and support for testing and commissioning.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high-voltage applications
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware
• Design and integration of Transient Fault Recorders (TFRs) and other monitoring devices
• Prepare and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, BOMs, and panel layout drawings
• Work on mechanical design aspects of panels, including enclosure arrangement, mounting, spacing, ventilation, and maintainability
• Ensure compliance with relevant IEC and IEEE standards
• Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture
• Support design of network communication systems, including managed switches and redundant architectures
• Consider EMC/EMI requirements, grounding, shielding, and panel segregation during design
• Support interface design for trip circuits, measurement circuits, interlocking, and signal acquisition
• Participate in design reviews, FAT, troubleshooting, and commissioning support
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and site teams
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard designs and engineering practices
• Experience in panel type testing.
• Experience in producing and maintaining standard cabinet designs.
• Perform root cause analysis and DFMEA.
• Manage change processes with internal and external vendors.
• Manage obsolescence of components and hardware.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field
• Strong background in Substation Control & Protection engineering
• Good knowledge of hardware components used in control and protection systems
• Experience in panel design and component selection
• Good understanding of IEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation systems
• Knowledge of CT/VT selection, protection IEDs, communication networks, and digital substations
• Familiarity with PRP, HSR, Sampled Values (SV), and redundancy concepts
• Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics
• Ability to work independently and support project delivery in a complex engineering environment

Desired Skills

• Experience with digital substation and HVDC projects
• Knowledge of Engineering Base, Creo, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar tools
• Experience with Network switches, GPS synchronization systems, TFRs, power supplies, and MCBs
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to participate in FAT and commissioning activities
• Knowledge on configuration of IEC61850 IED’s via vendor specific tools and System Configuration Tools for complete system integration
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443), network hardening, and security protocols tailored for substation control systems.

Additional Information