P&C Lead Test Engineer

Job Summary

The P&C Lead Test Engineer is responsible for leading the testing, commissioning, validation, and operational integration of protection and control systems across transmission, distribution, and generation substations. The role serves as both a technical leader and field mentor, ensuring electrical systems operate safely, reliably, and in accordance with utility standards, engineered design intent, and POWERX commissioning philosophy. It involves understanding system topology, protection philosophy, relay logic, AC/DC fundamentals, communications architecture, and the operational impact of testing decisions within energized substations.

The candidate will confidently lead high‑pressure environments, mentor developing Test Engineers, communicate effectively with clients, and take ownership of project execution from planning through energization and turnover.

None.

• Lead advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational validation activities across substations.
• Perform and oversee relay protection testing using Doble, Omicron, RTS, SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, and equivalent testing platforms.
• Validate complete protection and control systems including line, transformer, bus, feeder, breaker failure, reclosing, transfer trip, and communication‑assisted protection schemes.
• Execute end‑to‑end testing and operational verification of relay protection systems, SCADA, RTUs, IEC 61850 networks, GOOSE messaging, telecom systems, breaker controls, and station communications.
• Perform and validate CT/PT testing including ratio, polarity, phasing, CT saturation characteristics, and single‑point grounding verification.
• Interpret and troubleshoot relay logic, phasors, event reports, oscillography, sequence components, and fault behavior to identify abnormal system conditions and operational risks.
• Apply advanced understanding of AC/DC power system fundamentals, complex power and power factor, symmetrical components, protection zones and coordination philosophy, transmission line/transformer/bus and breaker failure protection, instrument transformer behavior, and system topology impacts on protection operation.
• Read, interpret, and validate one‑lines, three‑lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, relay settings files, and panel layouts.
• Support switching activities, outage coordination, energization, restoration efforts, and operational turnover within energized substations up to 500 kV.
• Treat every testing scope as a system validation exercise, not an isolated component check.

• Lead complex utility commissioning projects while coordinating field execution with project management, engineering, construction, and client operations.
• Review engineered drawings, relay settings, logic diagrams, one‑lines, three‑lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts for technical accuracy and constructability.
• Identify design gaps, relay logic concerns, drawing inconsistencies, and operational risks before energization.
• Develop test plans, isolation plans, energization plans, commissioning procedures, Human Performance mitigation plans, and Job Hazard Analyses.
• Ensure all testing aligns with utility standards, NETA practices, IEEE guidance, and client‑specific commissioning requirements.
• Support development and continuous improvement of Protection & Control procedures and operational standards (SOPs).
• Review testing results for accuracy, completeness, and operational correctness prior to client turnover.

• Lead crews with professionalism, accountability, and technical confidence.
• Mentor developing Test Engineers in both field execution and system understanding.
• Build an environment focused on learning, questioning attitude, and continuous improvement.
• Reinforce the understanding that protection systems must be tested as complete systems, not isolated components.
• Promote operational discipline, verification culture, and strong communication practices.
• Support workforce development through mentorship and training progression.
• Assist in evaluating technical competency, testing…