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.

Lead Protection Relay Test & Commissioning Engineer

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 help establish and grow our Protection & Controls Testing Practice.

This is more than a senior testing role. It is an opportunity to help build the systems, standards, training programs, and technical capabilities that will define the future of our testing organization.

Working directly with the Managing Principal, you will provide technical leadership for substation testing and commissioning projects while helping develop a dedicated testing laboratory, standardized procedures, and a structured engineer development program.

If you are passionate about technical excellence, mentoring engineers, solving complex power system challenges, and building something that lasts, we would like to hear from you.

Required Utility Protection & Controls Experience

Applicants must have direct experience performing:

• Protection relay testing and commissioning
• Transmission and distribution substation testing
• Relay functional testing and startup activities
• 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 during the selection process. Applicants with experience in related disciplines may be considered; however, preference will be given to candidates with hands-on utility substation testing and commissioning experience.

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
• Demonstrated experience testing and commissioning transmission and distribution substations
• 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

Position Summary

The Lead Protection Relay Test & Commissioning Engineer serves as the technical leader for L.L. Blue Engineering's growing Protection & Controls Testing Practice.

This individual will lead relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance, startup, and field services activities while helping establish the technical standards, training programs, quality processes, and laboratory capabilities that support long-term growth.

This role requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership, client engagement, and engineer development.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Field Execution

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

Build the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

• Help establish and expand L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Assist with implementation of OMICRON test equipment, relay platforms, RTACs, communications equipment, and simulation environments
• Develop standardized testing procedures, templates, quality documentation, and engineering best practices
• Evaluate emerging technologies and testing methodologies that improve service delivery and operational efficiency
• Support the long-term growth strategy of the testing practice

Engineer Development & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior engineers through field assignments, laboratory exercises, and technical development activities
• Develop technical training programs, certification pathways, and competency standards
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and technical excellence
• Help prepare the next generation of Protection & Controls engineers

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
• Support efforts to expand client relationships and technical service offerings
• Represent L.L. Blue Engineering with professionalism and technical excellence

Technical Knowledge

• Utility protection philosophies and relay coordination
• Three-phase power systems and fault analysis
• Transmission and distribution substation protection schemes
• SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, and similar relay platforms
• OMICRON Test Universe and relay testing equipment
• SCADA systems, RTACs, communications networks, and IEC 61850 communications
• Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control System (ICS) cybersecurity principles

What Success Looks Like

During your first 12 to 18 months, success includes:

• Launching a fully functional Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Developing standardized testing procedures and quality documentation
• Delivering complex relay testing and commissioning projects successfully
• Mentoring engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
• Supporting growth of the Protection & Controls testing practice 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 help build and lead a new 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 help build an entire 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 an opportunity where your expertise, leadership, and vision will have a lasting impact, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

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