Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer - Greater Chicago, Illinois Area

Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer - Greater Chicago, Illinois Area

Orbital is currently seeking a Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer to support projects in the Greater Chicago area. The position may be filled at the Senior Engineer I through Senior Engineer III level, based on the candidate's experience criteria detailed below.

This position is responsible for guiding the installation, testing, and maintenance of the protection and control and substations systems that safeguard customer electric transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure. Performs startup and commissioning of new T&D equipment. Performs P&C system troubleshooting and problem correction. Investigates electric system events and protection operations. Performs NERC compliance activities. Documents and reviews compliance requirements. Performs fieldwork in an industrial setting with exposure to high voltage, electromagnetic fields, and hazardous materials. Work schedule can include extended hours or overnight stays out of the area.

Essential Functions:

• Reviews project design drawings and verifies field wiring to ensure strict adherence to proper protective relaying practices and Orbital or customer standards.
• Provides onsite engineering support and directs various operating and construction personnel to ensure that all substation electrical equipment is installed, tested, and operates properly.
• Designs control scheme logic and creates protective relaying schematic diagrams for new substations or renovation projects for temporary protection purposes during construction outages.
• Performs acceptance, calibration, functional testing and final load checks of protective relays and control schemes for new substations or renovation projects.
• Performs field acceptance testing of new substation equipment (power transformers, high voltage circuit breakers, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, circuit reclosers, capacitor banks, and motor operated switches).
• Performs scheduled inspection and functional test maintenance of protective relays and equipment control systems to ensure continued reliability.
• Maintains, calibrates and repairs the system monitoring equipment (Digital Fault Recorders and Sequential Event Recorders) located at critical transmission substations.
• Maintains, calibrates and repairs the electronic controls used in voltage regulating, power factor correction and circuit recloser equipment.
• Provides technical assistance and engineering services to various departments within the organization and to industrial and commercial customers.
• Documents all equipment test data and maintains the most current version of substation electrical prints.
• Provides the field-testing of the recommended ground grid installation to ensure adherence to design parameters.
• Conducts substation power transformer loading and voltage surveys and maintains system distribution voltage levels in proper adjustment.
• Responds promptly to investigate and provide solutions to field problems with protective relaying control schemes or other substation equipment.

Other Duties:

Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required for Selection:

Qualifications at the Sr Level I Engineer:

• Knowledge normally acquired through a formal engineering curriculum: BS Degree in Electrical Engineering or BS Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Consideration will be given to two-year degrees with experience in electric system protection/control or other relevant experience.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of total relevant experience with (5) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Qualifications at the Sr Level II Engineer:

• Requirements as for Sr. Level I plus a minimum of ten (10) years of total relevant experience with eight (8) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Qualifications at the Sr Level III Engineer:

• Requirements as for Sr. Level II plus a minimum of fifteen (15) years of total relevant experience with twelve (12) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required for Selection:

• Ability to investigate and analyze assigned technical issues and apply basic electrical engineering principles to recommend sound solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret electric schematics and wiring diagrams
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles including: 3-phase circuit theory, energy systems, electronics theory and equipment troubleshooting concepts.
• Specific knowledge of system configuration and operation of electric transmission and distribution facilities.
• Specific knowledge of protective relaying principles and testing concepts.
• Ability to devise and apply specific test procedures related to protective relay control systems and their associated elements.
• Ability to troubleshoot relay control schemes in a logical manner.
• Ability to operate complex electrical test and measurement equipment and accurately interpret results.
• Organizational and planning skills to plan workload and logically layout project schedules.
• Good and written communication skills for interfacing with company personnel or outside customers.
• Working knowledge of electrical equipment clearance request procedures.
• Working knowledge of safety policies/procedures, material/supply systems, and electric/material standards.
• Specific knowledge of both typical and engineering PC applications.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA/RTU control systems and microwave/power line carrier/fiber optic communication systems.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete complex projects on schedule with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively complete multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to effectively work independently or as a member of a team or as a team leader.
• Communication and motivation skills to lead technical personnel.
• Ability to work with customers or contractors on major projects and explain complex technical issues.

This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Location Note: This is an in-office or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's location.

Salary Range: $97,000-192,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits: A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital: Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands-on mentality, and world-wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best-practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.