Lead Protection Relay Testing & Commissioning Engineer

About L. L. Blue Engineering

L.L. Blue Engineering is a growing engineering and systems integration firm specializing in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, electrical engineering, SCADA systems, OT cybersecurity, and field implementation services. We partner with electric utilities, municipalities, industrial manufacturers, transportation agencies, renewable energy providers, and critical infrastructure organizations to deliver engineering solutions that improve reliability, safety, and operational performance.

Our expertise spans engineering design, systems integration, protection and control, industrial networking, commissioning, cybersecurity, startup support, and long-term operational services.

As our company continues to grow, we are making a significant investment in expanding our Protection & Controls capabilities. We are building a dedicated testing laboratory, formalizing technical development programs, and creating a practice that combines engineering excellence with a strong commitment to mentoring and professional growth.

Build a Practice. Develop Engineers. Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure.

L.L. Blue Engineering is seeking an experienced Lead Protection Relay Test & Commissioning Engineer to establish and grow our Protection & Controls Testing Practice.

This is more than a senior testing role. This position will work directly with the Managing Principal to build the technical capabilities, testing laboratory, standards, procedures, and engineer development programs that will support the long-term growth of our Protection & Controls services.

The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on utility relay testing and commissioning experience with the leadership ability to develop engineers, solve complex power system challenges, and build a high-performing technical practice.

Required Utility Protection & Controls Experience

Applicants must have direct experience performing:

• Protection relay testing and commissioning
• Transmission and distribution substation testing
• Relay functional testing, startup, and troubleshooting
• OMICRON relay testing
• SCADA and RTAC testing
• Power system troubleshooting and fault analysis

This is not a software development, IT, network engineering, cybersecurity, systems engineering, automation engineering, or PLC programming position.

Direct utility Protection & Controls relay testing and commissioning experience is strongly preferred and will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET), or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum 12 years of utility Protection & Controls testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance experience
• Hands-on experience with microprocessor-based protective relays including SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Proficiency using OMICRON Test Universe or equivalent relay testing software and equipment
• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, protection schematics, wiring diagrams, and elementary drawings
• Ability to travel to substations, generating facilities, industrial locations, and client sites as required
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with substation protection and control engineering and design
• Experience with substation construction and commissioning
• Experience with SCADA systems, RTACs, automation systems, and IEC 61850 communications
• Previous experience mentoring engineers and technicians

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Field Execution

• Lead testing, commissioning, startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities for transmission and distribution substations and Protection & Controls equipment
• Perform and oversee relay calibration, functional testing, equipment checkout, SCADA verification, communications testing, and system startup
• Verify relay settings, protective schemes, metering, alarms, controls, communications, and remote SCADA functionality
• Diagnose and resolve complex protection, control, automation, and communications issues
• Coordinate field testing activities with clients, contractors, project managers, and engineering teams
• Ensure testing and commissioning work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project and quality requirements

Build the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

• Lead the establishment and expansion of L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Implement OMICRON test equipment, relay platforms, RTACs, communications equipment, and simulation environments
• Establish standardized testing procedures, templates, quality documentation, and engineering best practices
• Evaluate technologies and testing methodologies that improve technical capabilities, quality, and operational efficiency
• Help define the technical direction and long-term growth of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

Engineer Development & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior engineers through field assignments, laboratory exercises, and technical development activities
• Establish technical training programs, certification pathways, and competency standards
• Develop engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, safety, and technical excellence

Client & Business Development Support

• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility, industrial, and infrastructure clients
• Participate in proposal development, technical presentations, project planning, and client meetings
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and Protection & Controls service offerings
• Represent L.L. Blue Engineering with professionalism and technical excellence

What Success Looks Like

During the first 12 to 18 months, success in this role includes:

• Launching a fully functional Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Establishing standardized testing procedures and quality documentation
• Successfully leading complex relay testing and commissioning projects
• Developing engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
• Expanding the technical capabilities of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice
• Supporting growth of Protection & Controls testing services throughout the Southeast
• Helping establish L.L. Blue Engineering as a trusted provider of relay testing and commissioning services

Benefits

L.L. Blue Engineering offers:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Company-supported certifications and technical training
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing engineering organization
• Direct opportunity to build and lead a growing technical practice

Why Join L.L. Blue Engineering?

Most Protection & Controls testing positions focus on maintaining an established program.

This opportunity is different.

You will have the opportunity to build a testing practice from the ground up, establish a dedicated testing laboratory, develop engineers, influence technical standards, and work directly with executive leadership to shape the future of a growing engineering firm.

If you are looking for a leadership opportunity where your technical expertise and vision can have a lasting impact, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

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