Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Leidos is seeking a Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer to design, analyze, and implement protection and control schemes for high-voltage substations. In this role, you will lead the development and review of relay settings, protection logic, and SCADA/automation systems, ensuring NERC/IEEE compliance and grid reliability. You will oversee system studies, drawings, and specifications, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with utilities, EPC partners, and internal IT/OT teams.

The position blends power systems engineering with modern digital and networked control solutions supporting critical infrastructure clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of protection and control schemes for high-voltage substations
• Develop and review relay settings, protection logic, and control configurations
• Produce and review one-line diagrams, schematics, wiring, and panel layouts
• Ensure designs meet NERC, IEEE, and utility standards and cybersecurity best practices
• Conduct power system and relay coordination studies using industry software
• Integrate protection and control systems with SCADA, RTUs, and communication networks
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and designers
• Collaborate with utilities, EPC partners, and internal stakeholders on project delivery
• Support testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems
• Contribute to continuous improvement, standards development, and knowledge sharing

Required Skills

• Substation protection and control design
• Relay settings and coordination
• SCADA and substation automation
• Power system analysis (ETAP, ASPEN or similar)
• NERC and IEEE standards compliance
• Protection and control schematics and wiring design
• Communication protocols (IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus)
• Testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of protection systems
• Project leadership and coordination
• Cybersecurity awareness for OT/IT in substations