Protection, Controls Lead

About the role

As the Protection and Controls Specialist, you will oversee and support the operation, testing, and maintenance of substation protection and control systems across our portfolio of renewable energy projects. Reporting to the Operations Director, this role involves troubleshooting electrical control systems, analyzing protection zones, and interpreting trip event files.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the performance of protective relays and associated equipment.
• Create and execute relay test plans, maintaining compliance with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and NERC PRC-005-6C standards.
• Develop and implement detailed relay test plans using advanced test equipment, such as Doble, Omicron, Manta, or Megger relay test sets.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in protection and control systems, focusing on protection zones and analyzing trip event files to identify root causes.
• Commission and maintain the performance of substation protection and control systems in compliance with industry standards and protocols.
• Coordinate with project teams and contractors to support commissioning, maintenance, and system upgrades.
• Maintain detailed records of all testing, troubleshooting, and system configurations to ensure regulatory compliance and support future operational improvements, including updating CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Support additional responsibilities, including monitoring system reliability, assisting with system upgrades, and ensuring physical and cyber security compliance for protection systems.
• Train and mentor specialists in protection and control systems, testing procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies.

Requirements

• Minimum high school diploma or technical certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years in substation protection and control systems, relay testing, and electrical system troubleshooting.
• Advanced experience with safety protocols, including comprehensive knowledge of LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures and compliance with NFPA 70E safety standards.
• Must be available to travel domestically 75% of the time.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license/clean driving record.
• Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of protection and control systems, including SEL relays, RTAC (Real-Time Automation Controller) applications, and substation integration.
• Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex schematics to address system mis-operations.
• Advanced understanding of SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850) with experience in configuration and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in relay testing, protection zone analysis, and electrical control system troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with meter testing, including installation, calibration, and diagnostics.
• Proven experience in commissioning protection and control systems in compliance with NETA-ATS-2021, NETA-ECS-2020, and manufacturer recommendations.

Pay

Hourly Range: $42.69 – $65.00 USD hourly. This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus/incentive plan.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan).
• Generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays, and leave programs.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match.
• Supplemental benefits for emotional and physical well-being through all stages of life, including family forming and caregiver benefits.