Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Power Controls Engineer (Power Industry)

Position Type:
Full-Time

Industry Focus:
Power Delivery / Transmission & Distribution / Substations / SCADA & Communications

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to support the design, implementation, and integration of control systems and communication networks for electric power infrastructure projects. This position is not a project management or project controls role. Instead, the Power Controls Engineer provides specialized technical expertise that complements substation, transmission, and distribution engineering teams. The role focuses on communication and control interfaces among substations, transmission systems, utilities, and control centers, including SCADA systems, protective-relaying communications, and fiber‑optic networks.

The Power Controls Engineer works closely with substation engineers, transmission engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and utility clients to ensure reliable, secure, and coordinated operation of power system control and monitoring infrastructure.

• Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures.
• Develop control and monitoring schemes that support coordination between substations, transmission systems, and operations centers.
• Support integration of field devices including IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), RTUs and PLCs, protective relays.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and communication systems.
• Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies.
• Coordinate communication protocols such as DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus.
• Participate in network design involving fiber optics communication systems, Ethernet and IP‑based networks, redundant communication paths and cybersecurity considerations.
• Coordinate with utilities and IT/OT stakeholders on control system interfaces and data exchange.
• Work in addition to substation engineers, not as a replacement, proposing technical depth in controls and communications.
• Coordinate with substation, transmission, and distribution engineers, civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams, utility operations and control center personnel.
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications, and protection systems.
• Prepare and review technical deliverables including control schematics and wiring diagrams, communication one‑lines and network diagrams, SCADA architecture drawings, technical specifications and standards.
• Support responses to technical questions during design, construction, and commissioning.
• Assist with upgrades, expansions, and modernization of existing control and communication systems.

• Transmission and substation control systems.
• Utility SCADA and EMS/DMS interfaces.
• Grid modernization and automation initiatives.
• Integration of new substations or transmission assets into existing control networks.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.
• Experience working with substation or transmission projects and power system communication and control systems.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, protective relaying communications, and utility operational requirements.
• Ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience with Investor‑Owned Utilities (IOUs) and public power agencies or electric cooperatives.
• Familiarity with IEC 61850 architectures, fiber optics network design and troubleshooting, substation automation systems.
• Experience supporting commissioning, testing, or system cutovers.
• Understanding of cybersecurity considerations for utility control systems.

• Strong technical problem‑solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with others.
• Detail‑oriented approach to technical design and documentation.
• Collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset.

• Occasional travel to support projects or client coordination.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Salary range: $105,000 - $160,000

• Competitive compensation.
• Performance bonuses.
• 401(k) with matching contribution.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• Comprehensive health & well‑being plans.
• Financial wellness plans.
• Work‑life balance programs.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with all federal, state, and local laws. We celebrate diversity and believe in creating an inclusive environment for all employees.