Test Engineer – Protection & Control; P&C

Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I

Location:

Birmingham, AL Contract Duration: 18+ Months Client:
Alabama Power

We are seeking a motivated Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I to join the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services – Substation Integration & Automation (SIA) team within a utility and power environment.

This role is responsible for supporting the commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and integration of substation automation, SCADA, relay protection, and control systems. The position is primarily field-based and involves working directly within substations and industrial electrical environments.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical aptitude, foundational power systems knowledge, and a willingness to learn and grow within the utility protection and controls field.

• Perform commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of substation integration systems, SCADA equipment, relay protection and control systems, and automation and communication devices.
• Assist with functional testing and validation of substation control schemes.

• Support installation and integration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), microprocessor-based relays, RTUs and SCADA systems, and communication equipment.
• Configure and verify serial and Ethernet communications.

• Execute field assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule.
• Support project planning and field coordination activities.
• Travel to substations and field locations as required.
• Maintain compliance with utility safety standards and work procedures.

• Perform power system measurements, 3-phase calculations, AC/DC electrical testing.
• Troubleshoot relay, control, and communication system issues.
• Utilize test equipment and hand tools in energized electrical environments.

• Maintain testing records and commissioning documentation.
• Support development of test reports and field notes.
• Utilize spreadsheets and productivity tools for project tracking and reporting.

• Work closely with engineers, technicians, operations personnel, and project teams.
• Participate as an active team member in field service activities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.

• 0–5 years of related experience in Protection & Control, Substation Engineering, SCADA Systems, Industrial Controls, Power Systems. Entry-level candidates with relevant internships or co-op experience are encouraged to apply.

• Experience or training in substation SCADA systems, microprocessor-based relays / IED technology, serial and Ethernet communications, industrial control systems (PLCs), relay protection and control equipment, generation or industrial plant controls, AC & DC electrical systems.

• Understanding of control schemes, SCADA operations, 3-phase power calculations, electrical measurements, communication protocols and software.

• Ability to use multimeters, hand tools, laptops and engineering software, spreadsheet and productivity applications.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work safely in substations and industrial environments.
• Strong teamwork and communication abilities.
• Ability to learn quickly in a hands-on field environment.
• Willingness to travel and work at field locations as needed.

• Internship or co-op experience within utilities, power generation, transmission & distribution, industrial electrical systems.
• Exposure to SEL, GE, ABB, or Schweitzer relay platforms, SCADA communication systems, networked substation environments.

• Primarily field-based role supporting substations and utility infrastructure.
• Combination of field testing, commissioning activities, equipment troubleshooting, technical reporting.