Power Systems Automation Engineer

TRC Talent Solutions is partnering with a leading power systems manufacturer specializing in transmission and distribution infrastructure. The organization delivers advanced substation automation, protection, and control solutions for medium- and high-voltage utility environments. This role sits within the Power Systems Engineering team and supports mission-critical grid modernization projects.

Our client is seeking a full time automation engineer that has experience with sales/application engineering. This role does require up to 75% travel.

Summary

This position is responsible for the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of substation automation and protection systems. The engineer will work across RTU/PLC configurations, IEC 61850-based systems, and complex communication networks while supporting full project lifecycle execution from design through field commissioning. The role also includes technical leadership and direct customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain automation systems for medium- and high-voltage substations

• Configure and test RTU and PLC systems for protection and control schemes

• Develop applications using IEC 61850 and related communication protocols

• Create and maintain functional design documentation including:

  • Control logic diagrams

  • Network architecture diagrams

  • Signal lists and engineering documentation

• Prepare and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)

• Support on-site commissioning and troubleshooting of substation automation systems

• Lead technical execution of assigned projects and guide junior team members

• Serve as primary technical contact for customers throughout project lifecycle

• Troubleshoot protection, control, and communication system issues in the field

• Support system integration across multi-vendor environments (Siemens, GE, SEL, ABB)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Computer Engineering (or related field)

• 5+ years of experience in power automation or substation engineering

• Experience as a technical lead on engineering projects

• Strong ability to interpret AC/DC schematics and one-line/three-line diagrams

• Advanced experience with substation automation platforms (Siemens, GE, SEL, ABB, etc.)

• Deep understanding of communication protocols including IEC 61850 (MMS, GOOSE, SMV), DNP3, Modbus, IEC 101/103/104, Profinet, Profibus

• Experience with substation commissioning and field testing (FAT/SAT)

• Strong networking knowledge (design, configuration, troubleshooting of Layer 2/Layer 3 devices)

• Willingness to travel 50–75% depending on project demands

TRC Talent Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. At TRC, we take pride in fulfilling our opportunity to add value to our client's business as their staffing partner, while working tirelessly to connect thousands of individuals each year with work opportunities where they can meet the needs of their families and have the potential to build their careers.