Substation Automation Engineer (Grid Modernization)

TL;DR

Substation Automation Engineer (Grid Modernization): Designing and implementing IEC 61850-based digital and virtual substations to modernize the power grid with an accent on secure, vendor-agnostic architectures and real-time networking. Focus on transitioning virtual substations from pilot to production and developing PTP-based time-synchronization architectures.

Location: Hybrid; preference for Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Minneapolis (MN), Irvine (CA), or Walnut Creek (CA). Must be based in the US

Salary: $114,933 - $237,640

Company

An employee-owned global leader in sustainable infrastructure engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction.

What you will do

• Lead the transition of IEC 61850-based digital and virtual substations from pilot to production environments.
• Design secure, vendor-agnostic substation automation architectures and PTP-based time-synchronization systems.
• Develop SCL engineering artifacts (ICD, CID, SCD) and configure MMS, GOOSE, and SV messaging.
• Implement virtualization of substation functions using platforms such as VMware ESXi, Red Hat KVM, or SEAPATH.
• Integrate multi-vendor IEDs with SCADA and HMI systems to ensure full interoperability.
• Collaborate with industry groups like the vPAC Alliance to define future protection and control standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
• Visa Sponsorship is not available.
• Must be able to complete pre-employment background checks and drug screens.

Nice to have

• Professional Engineer (PE) License.
• Experience with cybersecurity frameworks for operational technology (OT) environments.
• Experience deploying virtualized workloads on VMware ESXi/vCenter/vSAN/NSX or Red Hat OpenShift.
• Interest or participation in IEEE and IEC standards development.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% ESOP-owned company, allowing employees to share in financial success through stock ownership.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one.
• Company-matched 401k plan and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Hybrid work environment to support work-life balance.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time.