Lead Controls Engineer

Automation Engineer

Designs and implements automation and process improvements across manufacturing systems, including PLC, HMI, and equipment integration. Leads and coordinates a team to deliver automation projects, ensuring alignment, quality, and timely execution. Develops solutions to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency by addressing workflow gaps, improving operator guidance, and strengthening system controls. Collaborates with cross functional teams and vendors to troubleshoot issues and deploy scalable solutions that improve throughput, traceability, and cost performance.

Essential duties and responsibilities include maintaining a detailed understanding of electric power system automation and industrial control systems including related protocols, serial and network communications, security, and logic programming. Leading in customer technical support including installation, commissioning and operation of automation and control systems. Leading in developing and analyzing product specifications and functional and validation tests. Leading in writing and maintaining product documentation including application guides, data sheets, and instruction manuals. Leading in the development of technical and market analyses to evaluate proposed products or enhancements. Evaluating competing automation products. Performing as a technical lead on assigned projects. Mentoring engineers and associate engineers. Understanding, creating, simplifying. Other duties as assigned.

This job might be for you if you are a US citizen and if you have a B.S. Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Typically 6+ years relevant experience in setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems with a broad range of serial and network devices and interfaces. Working knowledge of automation and integration applications, practices, and philosophies at an electrical utility, industrial plant, or engineering firm. Knowledge of OSI model. Strong knowledge of layer 2, 3, and 4 (switching, routing, and transport) networking principles. Excellent technical presentation and training skills. Willing to travel up to 15%. Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills. Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities. Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Background check results satisfactory to SEL. Negative drug test result(s). Preferred qualifications include working knowledge of SEL products, SEL, DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870, and IEC 61850 protocols, working knowledge of electric power systems and protective relay applications, and experience in customer service or technical support. Physical requirements none.

Location: Moscow, ID – This position is located in SEL's state of the art Printed Circuit Board factory in Moscow, ID. Enjoy the smaller town life: country space, freedom from traffic, easy access to recreational activities in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as great schools and universities.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

• We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay range for position is $115,300 - $170,400 per year. Our compensation ranges are based on the responsibilities of the role. Starting pay is determined individually and considers factors such as relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and training. Candidates may be considered at different levels based on their background. As a result, pay may vary to align with the level of the role.

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.