Senior Engineer - Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) Strategy

Senior Engineer - Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) Strategy

Join us in building a better future for Arizona! SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Why Work at SRP

At SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. That's why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power. SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

Summary

As a Senior Engineer on the Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) team, you will support research, development, testing, and training initiatives that advance engineering and technical capabilities across the PAC organization. This role is responsible for evaluating and integrating emerging technologies, developing and maintaining PAC engineering standards, and delivering structured technical training programs. The Senior Engineer plays a critical role in enhancing the reliability, consistency, and operational performance of PAC systems.

What You'll Do

• Support PAC research and development initiatives focused on emerging technologies, tools, and methods.
• Evaluate, prototype, and pilot new protection schemes, automation technologies, and engineering approaches.
• Develop and execute proof-of-concept designs, lab tests, simulations, and field pilots.
• Document findings and recommendations; support the transition of successful innovations into standard engineering practice.
• Support the design, development, and delivery of structured PAC technical training programs for PAC engineers and field personnel.
• Maintain and enhance PAC lab environments to support hands-on training and validation activities.
• Provide mentorship and technical coaching and guidance across PAC teams to build organizational capabilities.
• Collaborate with vendors, OEMs, and industry groups for technology evaluation and learning.
• Serve as a technical resource for emerging PAC trends and innovations.
• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of standard protection setting templates, design schemes, and commissioning procedures.
• Support the adoption of PAC tools, platforms, and engineering practices across PAC groups.
• Act as a technical resource to support complex issues, cross-functional initiatives, and other PAC groups.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education

Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution, ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or any state or internationally recognized PE registration.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of professional experience actively engaged in engineering practice. Must have demonstrated the successful accomplishment of work of the nature defined for the job of Senior Engineer.

Additional Requirements and Qualifications

Experience with control or SCADA systems

Experience with PAC design, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Experience with digital substation (IEC 61850) is preferred

Experience with Protection and Power System software such as ASPEN Oneliner, Powerbase, Test Universe, Synergi Electric.

Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or RTDS testing is preferred.

Experience conducting technical research, pilots, or lab testing.

Experience developing or delivering technical training is preferred.

Strong technical knowledge of protection relays, schemes, and substation automation.

Demonstrated ability to research and evaluate new engineering technologies.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills.

Strong communication and technical presentation skills.

Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical learning content.

High level of initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement of learning.

Testing and Certifications

Must possess the appropriate valid Arizona driver's license.

Hybrid Workplace

SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law. Work Authorization All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.