Senior Embedded Products and Software Reliability Engineer

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Embedded Reliability Engineer with a strong background in protection and systems, energy management devices, and utility-scale software for transmission and distribution (T&D) applications.

In this role, you will lead reliability initiatives across the lifecycle of critical grid automation products, including protection relays, control devices, digital substation solutions, and advanced software platforms. You will apply best-in-class reliability engineering methodologies to ensure system resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term field performance. Your work will directly support utility customers in achieving higher uptime, reduced lifecycle costs, and safer grid operation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Perform reliability modeling and statistical analysis of energy management and protection/control products to predict field performance and act as authority for reliability design decisions.

• Develop and execute reliability test plans for hardware and software, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), environmental, and stress testing for grid components.

• Conduct and lead FMEA, FMECA, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for hardware/software failure events across embedded systems and communication layers.

• Work with product design, systems engineering, and software teams to ensure Design for Reliability (DfR) is embedded from concept through deployment.

• Analyze field data from deployed devices (e.g., relays, RTUs, control systems) to identify systemic issues and recommend corrective/preventive actions.

• Collaborate with utilities and customers to support grid asset performance programs and grid modernization initiatives, including IEC 61850, virtualization, and advanced diagnostics.

• Develop and maintain reliability KPIs (e.g., MTBF, FIT rate, availability) for product lines and integrate into product development and quality programs.

• Identify and drive adoption of predictive and condition-based maintenance strategies using remote diagnostics, SCADA, and sensor data.

• Consult and align with the Innovation Office and Applications team to ensure reliability priorities influence working group participation, standards leadership, and technology strategy.

• Stay current on regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., NERC, IEEE, IEC standards) impacting utility asset reliability and cybersecurity.

• Provide coaching, training, and guidance on reliability practices to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in reliability, systems, or product engineering in the energy or utility sector.

Desired Characteristics

• Familiar with protection & control systems, grid-edge devices, substation automation, and utility-grade software solutions.

• Hands‑on experience with reliability engineering tools and standards (e.g., Relia Soft, ISO, IEC.

• Familiarity with communications protocols and standards used in T&D systems: IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, IEEE C37.118, etc.

• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis platforms (e.g., Python, R, Minitab, Power BI).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to engage cross‑functional teams and utility customers.

• Understanding of grid reliability challenges in T&D environments & willingness to travel for customer engagements, conferences, and global collaboration.

• Collaborative leadership across engineering, field teams, and customers.

• Data‑driven problem‑solving mindset with attention to long‑term product health including systems thinking.

• Proactive approach to emerging technologies and continuous improvement.

• Master’s degree in Reliability or Systems Engineering.

• Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) or similar professional certification.

• Familiar with model‑based design and HIL testing (e.g., RTDS, PSCAD, or EMTP) for utility applications and simulation tools used in electronics and CAD design.

• Experience working directly with T&D utilities, supporting product deployments, failure investigations, or asset strategies.

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