Power Systems Automation Engineer

About the Role

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. SEL manufactures intelligent electronic devices (IED), Remote Terminal Units (RTU), and logic controllers that provide state-of-the-art monitoring, communication, and protection of power systems in multiple industries.

SEL Engineering Services (SEL ES) is the sector of SEL that creates solutions to target applications of SEL equipment for worldwide customers. The SEL ES engineering team designs, develops, tests, and commissions projects to meet customer requirements.

SEL ES - Automation projects focus on providing solutions and services that help customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide. This can involve data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, transfer schemes, SCADA design, communication network design, FLISR, advanced monitoring for power system solutions and many more.

Applications

• Utilities – Generation, Transmission and Distribution
• Data centers – Electrical Distribution, Power Monitoring, Protection, and Automation
• Industrial Plants and Universities – Substation and Switchgear
• Renewables – Wind, Solar, and BESS

Responsibilities

As an Automation Engineer, typical responsibilities include:

• Apply fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures related to power system automation, protection, and control systems
• Design, configure, validate, install, commission, and support automation and protection systems utilizing SEL products and related technologies
• Provide technical training and support to customers during project execution and system operation
• Develop and contribute to functional design specifications, engineering studies, and system architectures
• Prepare and maintain engineering deliverables, including design documents, reports, checklists, validation records, test reports, and commissioning documentation
• Collaborate with customers, project managers, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery
• Promote and maintain a strong commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction throughout all project phases

Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years past work history, or equivalency, to meet position description and skill requirements

Required Skills:

• Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)
• Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues
• Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials
• Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
• Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications
• Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically

Additional Skills (not required):

• Experience with phase I/O style project management
• Experience with SEL product configurations
• Experience with AVEVA Wonderware, Copadata Zenon, Ignition, Cimplicity, EcoStruxure or similar
• Experience with PLC programming
• Network troubleshooting tools

Level

This position will consider candidates from an Associate to Engineering III level.

Is This Job for You?

This job might be for you if you have professional communication skills to serve as the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues, understand project engineering scope in relation to project budget, can analyze electrical drawings and schematics, have experience with industry standard communication protocols and HMI applications, and are willing to travel domestically at least 20% of the time.

Locations

This position is open to multiple locations:

Houston, TX – This position is on-site located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city with sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Beach access is just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities.

West Lafayette, IN – This position is located in West Lafayette, IN, a welcoming community that combines small-town charm with the energy of a world-class university town. Home to Purdue University, the area is known for its innovation, strong schools, and vibrant community. Residents enjoy parks and outdoor recreation, local events, diverse dining options, and an affordable cost of living, all while being conveniently located within driving distance of Indianapolis and Chicago.

Plymouth, MI – This position is located in Plymouth, Michigan, positioned between Ann Arbor and Detroit. The cultural and educational hub of Southeast Michigan, Plymouth is surrounded by parks and historic neighborhoods with top-rated school districts. Rated one of the safest cities in Michigan and among the top Best Places to Raise a Family, Plymouth offers year-round outdoor recreation and festivals. Nearby world-class cultural attractions and a vibrant business community make Plymouth a highly sought-after place to call home.

Lakewood, CO – This position is located in Lakewood, CO. Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and located just seven miles away from Denver, Lakewood is a perfect place to live and work. Enjoy an unmatched quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation and great schools.

Fairview Heights, IL – This position is located in Fairview Heights, IL. Located just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. A quick Metrorail trip to the city will allow you to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, including professional sports teams, first rate entertainment, and great universities. Enjoy local shops, easy access to parks, and great dining. Fairview Heights is a city rich in history and values community.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

• New hires generally start between $110,000 - $175,000
• Starting pay is based on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills
• Salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location

Benefits:

SEL is 100% employee-owned. People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners.

• Employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options
• Top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 10 paid holidays
• Annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days
• 9 paid sick days
• Paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay
• Monthly education allowance
• Wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits
• Growth and development through STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs

About SEL

SEL invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability and safety at a reduced cost. A 100 percent employee-owned company headquartered in Pullman, Washington, SEL has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers worldwide. Our mission is to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.

Equal Opportunity

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

Application Questions

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.