Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

This role focuses on the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of advanced control and automation systems for electric utility and real-time grid management environments. The Controls Engineer develops complete design packages, programs and configures SCADA and related systems, supports testing and commissioning activities, and provides technical leadership across projects. The position is ideal for a professional with deep experience in electric utilities, solution architecture, and real-time grid management systems such as ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design packages, including requirements, specifications, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, SCADA screens, and communication architectures.
• Create, review, and maintain technical documentation, drawings, and testing procedures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with project standards.
• Perform QA/QC reviews on design and implementation deliverables and support factory testing activities to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot PLC, RTU, HMI, and SCADA systems used in electric utility and industrial automation environments.
• Work with communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, SEL Fast Messaging, and Mirrored Bits to ensure reliable data exchange and system interoperability.
• Lead complex controls and automation integration efforts, coordinating multiple systems and ensuring seamless operation across platforms.
• Develop detailed commissioning plans and test procedures to guide factory and field testing, startup, and system deployment activities.
• Execute factory acceptance tests, field testing, system startup, and commissioning, ensuring systems operate as designed and meet performance requirements.
• Troubleshoot existing systems, diagnose issues, and perform hardware and software upgrades to improve reliability, performance, and functionality.
• Support the development of cost estimates, proposals, bids, and change orders by providing technical input and scope definition.
• Coordinate technical activities for engineers and technicians, providing guidance, oversight, and support to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in site visits and surveys to gather field data, assess existing systems, and define project requirements.
• Attend and contribute to client meetings, presenting technical solutions, addressing questions, and building strong working relationships.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience within the electric utilities sector.
• A minimum of 5 years specializing in solution architecture, particularly in controls and automation for utility or grid systems.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct involvement in real-time grid management, including ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with one or more vendor software systems such as Aspen Energy Analyzer, Aspen Utilities Planner, Aspen GDOT, Aspen One Engineering Suite, Aspen Plus, OSI Monarch, Siemens Spectrum Power, ABB MicroSCADA, General Electric Power On, General Electric Grid Solutions, General Electric Vernova, Schneider Electric Eco Struxure, OSIsoft PI System, Honeywell SCADA, Oracle Utilities Network Management System, Eaton CYME Grid Analysis, PcVue, Inductive Ignition, or similar platforms.
• Strong ability to interpret electrical and control schematics for complex systems.
• Hands-on experience with controls startup, calibration, and troubleshooting in industrial or utility environments.
• Industrial networking experience, including configuration and troubleshooting of communication networks for control systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or EPLAN for creating and modifying electrical and control drawings.
• Experience working with SCADA platforms and PLC systems for monitoring and control applications.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and analysis.
• Familiarity with test, calibration, and electrical diagnostic tools used in commissioning and maintenance activities.
• Experience with SCADA systems, SEL devices, switch gear technologies, ADMS, and tools such as Aspen Energy Analyzer and Siemens Spectrum.
• Hands-on experience with SEL tools (Schweitzer Engineering Labs), including configuration and integration.
• Experience with RTAC (Ruggedized Terminal Automation Controller) used to monitor and control complex systems and act as a data hub and protocol translator.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with real-time grid management solutions such as ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS in utility or large-scale industrial environments.
• Exposure to or proficiency with multiple vendor ecosystems, including but not limited to Aspen, Siemens, ABB, General Electric, Schneider Electric, OSIsoft, Honeywell, Oracle, Eaton, PcVue, and Inductive Ignition.
• Experience with switch gear technologies and related protection and control…