Automation Engineer

Dashiell, an operating unit of Quanta Services (trading as PWR), is a leading national provider of technical and construction services supporting critical electric infrastructure. We serve electric utilities, power generation, industrial, renewable, and energy markets with integrated capabilities spanning planning and system studies, engineering and design, maintenance and testing, program management, construction, and turnkey EPC delivery.

With more than 60 years of experience executing large, complex projects, Dashiell specializes in medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure and delivers safe, reliable solutions across the full project lifecycle. Backed by the scale, resources, and safety culture of Quanta Services, Dashiell partners with clients to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers communities and economies. Learn more at

The Automation Engineer contributes to the design of automation and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substation projects within Dashiell's Engineering Group. Working under supervision, this role prepares design documents, performs basic calculations, and develops technical skills in substation automation. The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at 12301 Kurland Dr Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell's Supervising Engineer
. Successful candidates may be placed in a Design Engineer I, II or III title depending on skill and experience level. Candidates with more experience may be placed in higher positions.

• Prepare RTU/IED wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and automation schematics under engineer supervision.
• Assist with relay and automation device configuration for protection and control systems.
• Develop drawings and bills of material using AutoCAD Electrical or similar platforms.
• Support preparation of SCADA point lists and I/O assignments.
• Coordinate with protection engineers and drafters to incorporate field data into design packages.
• Assist in factory acceptance testing (FAT) preparation and documentation.
• Conduct site visits to support construction observation and testing.
• Support project engineers with design progress updates and deliverable tracking.
• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

• Deliver quality automation design drawings that reduce field conflicts during commissioning.
• Support accurate, testable I/O and control documentation that speeds up FAT and site acceptance testing.
• Strengthen the Engineering Group's technical capacity through growing design proficiency.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum 1 year of automation, protection & control, or related electrical design experience.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Basic understanding of substation automation, SCADA, and protective relaying principles.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn AutoCAD Electrical and automation configuration tools.
• Knowledge of IEC 61850, DNP3, or Modbus communication protocols a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Driving not required at this level.

• Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces.
• Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR…