Substation Protection & Control Engineer

Job Category
:
Engineer

Requisition Number
: PROTE
003954

Lisle, IL
2300 Cabot Suite 395
Lisle, IL 60532, USA

GAI Consultants is seeking an Engineer 2 (Protection & Controls) for substation‑related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, design reviews, QA/QC review, and enforcement related to all aspects of protection & controls design services. The successful candidate will work on various protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high‑voltage substation projects through 500 kV, with a focus on a “Client First” approach to all interactions.

• Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities.
• Develop or revise drawings for one‑lines, physical arrangement, grounding, schematics, wiring, control and relaying panels, and equipment wiring; coordinate with CAD operators to develop organized quality CAD drawings.
• Integrate protection and control drawings with the physical layout and design of substations.
• Design interfaces with SCADA systems and communications including RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
• Develop control and relay panel layouts and assemble specifications.
• Create project criteria.
• Develop design specifications, including the overall bill of materials.
• Design and size auxiliary systems (AC/DC load centers, batteries, chargers).
• Design and size conduit, cable, and backup generators.
• Order long‑lead item materials.
• Perform point‑to‑point checks.
• Review junior engineer’s designs to verify they meet client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in protection.
• Document QA/QC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Travel to other offices, meet with clients, and attend project‑specific meetings regularly.
• Manage tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
• Assist with developing scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
• Manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Use resource‑management skills to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, working effectively under pressure and unexpected developments.
• Work extended or after‑hours hours when required.

• Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
• Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Leads tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes.
• Develops plans, specifications, and other project documents.
• Applies engineering economics, probability, and statistics to analyze risk in complex problems.

• 6+ Years of Experience

• B.S. or M.S. Engineering

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

• Designs complete projects, systems, components, or processes.
• Prepares complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
• Designs and conducts analyses, and interprets test data.
• Reviews project documents for conformity and quality assurance.
• Project and Task Management
• Assigns tasks to technical and non‑technical staff.
• Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of engineering work.
• Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules.
• Assists with proposals to obtain funding for projects.

• Receives general direction on key objectives.
• Receives guidance on unconventional/complex problems and new approaches.
• Mentors junior staff by providing guidance, explaining responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
• Attends project meetings and presents specific engineering assignments.

• Communicates effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive…