Senior Automation Engineer, Protection & Controls

Location: Houston, TX (onsite) (US)

Description

About the Company

Our client is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm delivering end‑to‑end solutions across utility, renewable energy, battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other critical infrastructure markets. Based in Houston, Texas, the company leverages deep subject‑matter expertise and an engineering‑led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium‑ and high‑voltage electrical infrastructure for clients locally, nationally, and internationally.

Position Overview

Lead the design, configuration, and commissioning of plant control and automation systems for substation, BESS, and solar projects. You will be a technical authority within the Protection & Controls team, owning projects from design through commissioning, mentoring engineers, and helping build the standards and documentation that let the team scale.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission SEL RTAC-based control and communication systems, including logic, data mapping, and relay integration.
• Develop and commission power plant controller (PPC) logic for BESS and solar plants to meet utility and ERCOT interconnection requirements.
• Develop SCADA and HMI points lists, communication architectures, and screens using DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850.
• Lead site acceptance testing and field commissioning, including troubleshooting and punch-list close-out.
• Own project scope, schedule, and budget for assigned automation work, with a high standard of quality and safety.
• Review automation deliverables (drawings, I/O lists, configurations, test procedures) for quality before they go to the customer.
• Mentor and cross-train engineers so automation work is shared across the team.
• Develop standard templates and procedures for automation work.
• Support proposals with scope review and effort estimates.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 8+ years of experience in substation, plant, or industrial automation; substation experience required.
• Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs and SEL protective relays, including ACSELERATOR tools.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming, SCADA protocols (DNP3, Modbus), and HMI development.
• Field commissioning experience; willingness to travel approximately 20%.
• Strong written communication and disciplined documentation habits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PPC systems for BESS or solar plants and with ERCOT or utility interconnection testing.
• Experience with IEC 61850 and with IT/OT network design and troubleshooting.
• Brownfield retrofit and legacy equipment integration experience.
• Experience with other platforms (GE, ABB, Schneider).

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package including:

• Two medical plan options
• Dental and vision coverage
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
• Company‑paid basic life insurance for employees and dependents
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• A supportive, high‑performance work environment where employees feel valued and empowered

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 8+ years of experience in substation, plant, or industrial automation; substation experience required.
• Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs and SEL protective relays, including ACSELERATOR tools.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming, SCADA protocols (DNP3, Modbus), and HMI development.
• Field commissioning experience; willingness to travel approximately 20%.
• Strong written communication and disciplined documentation habits.