Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Power Controls Engineer (Power Industry)

Hanson Values: Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation

If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

About the Role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking a Power Controls Engineer to support the design, implementation, and integration of control systems and communication networks for electric power infrastructure projects.

This position is not a project management or project controls role. Instead, the Power Controls Engineer provides specialized technical expertise that complements substation, transmission, and distribution engineering teams. The role focuses on communication and control interfaces among substations, transmission systems, utilities, and control centers, including SCADA systems, protective-relaying communications, and fiber-optic networks.

The Power Controls Engineer works closely with substation engineers, transmission engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and utility clients to ensure reliable, secure, and coordinated operation of power system control and monitoring infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Power System Controls & Communications

• Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures.

• Develop control and monitoring schemes that support coordination between substations, transmission systems, and operations centers.

• Support integration of field devices, including:

  • IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices)

  • RTUs and PLCs

  • Protective relays

• Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and communication systems.

SCADA & Network Integration

• Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies.

• Coordinate communication protocols such as:

  • DNP3

  • IEC 61850

  • Modbus

• Participate in network design involving:

  • Fiberoptic communication systems

  • Ethernet and IP-based networks

  • Redundant communication paths and cybersecurity considerations

• Coordinate with utilities and IT/OT stakeholders on control system interfaces and data exchange.

Collaboration with Engineering Teams

• Work in addition to (and in coordination with) substation engineers—not as a replacement, proposing technical depth in controls and communications.

• Coordinate with:

  • Substation, transmission, and distribution engineers

  • Civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams

  • Utility operations and control center personnel

• Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications, and protection systems.

Design Documentation & Technical Support

• Prepare and review technical deliverables, including:

  • Control schematics and wiring diagrams

  • Communication one-lines and network diagrams

  • SCADA architecture drawings

  • Technical specifications and standards

• Support responses to technical questions during design, construction, and commissioning.

• Assist with upgrades, expansions, and modernization of existing control and communication systems.

Power Industry Applications

Support a variety of power delivery projects, including:

• Transmission and substation control systems

• Utility SCADA and EMS/DMS interfaces

• Grid modernization and automation initiatives

• Integration of new substations or transmission assets into existing control networks

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.

• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in power system controls, substation automation, or SCADA within the power or utility industry.

• Experience working with:

  • Substation or transmission projects

  • Power system communication and control systems

• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, protective relaying communications, and utility operational requirements.

• Ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.

• Experience with:

  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)

  • Public power agencies or electric cooperatives

• Familiarity with:

  • IEC 61850 architectures

  • Fiberoptic network design and troubleshooting

  • Substation automation systems

• Experience supporting commissioning, testing, or system cutovers.

• Understanding of cybersecurity considerations for utility control systems.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical problem-solving skills

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with others

• Detail-oriented approach to technical design and documentation

• Collaborative, solutions-focused mindset

Working at Hanson

• Employee-owned firm offering long-term stability and career growth

• Collaborative, multi-disciplinary engineering environment

• Opportunities to work with power utilities across multiple regions

• Occasional travel to support projects or client coordination

• Valid driver's license required

Salary range: $105,000 - $160,000