Substation Digital Control System Engineer

Job summary

The DCS Engineer defines, designs, and implements automation and control solutions for substation projects, acting as a technical authority. Responsibilities include executing job studies, developing technical documentation, and coordinating with cross-functional teams for testing and site acceptance.

Job details

Job Description Summary The DCS Engineer is a key technical resource directly supporting Project Management and Technical Leaders for the definition, design and implementation of Automation and Control Engineering solutions for Substation Automation projects. The incumbent acts as a technical authority for the project, ensuring the successful execution of both basic and detailed design phases within the defined delivery timelines, design budget (man-days), and quality standards. This role will deliver the technical execution of key offerings including, but not limited to, Digital Control Systems (DCS), Distribution Automation, Process Bus Digital Substations, Cybersecurity, Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration solutions, Microgrids control and monitoring solutions, Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control solutions (WAMPAC), Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) and Top-Down Engineering Solutions. Project execution encompasses hardware devices (protection relays, bay controller units, auxiliary relays, industrial computers, synchronizing clocks, telecom equipment) and software applications (distribution automation, process bus, advanced protection schemes, cybersecurity management, device management, assets performance, microgrid) to monitor, control and protect various industrial applications in the energy sector and in particular the electrical grids. This is a customer-facing role requiring experience presenting solutions and supporting demos, pilots, and proof‑of‑concepts to stakeholders at multiple levels. Job Description Essential Responsibilities Execute job studies for automation projects, defining project strategy, conceptual DCS design, deliverables, BoM, man-hour estimates, and design risk mitigation plans. Develop and release technical design documentation, engineering calculations, DCS configurations, and IED selections, with a focus on cost-effective solutions. Lead design reviews and customer technical discussions, resolving comments and driving timely approvals in compliance with quality and engineering standards. Design augmentation solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and infrastructure. Perform critical engineering calculations, including network data flow analysis and data point estimation, and review factory and assembly drawings for design accuracy. Coordinate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and partners to support FAT, site issue resolution, snag closure, and Site Acceptance Testing. Provide technical leadership for project execution, including multi-protocol IED integration, SAS troubleshooting, and incorporation of lessons learned into future designs. Drive on-time, high-quality delivery of design packages by tracking progress, controlling design hours, mitigating execution risks, and supporting scope and variation order assessments. Represent customer technical requirements in design decisions, align engineering deliverables with business objectives, and ensure strict adherence to EHS standards and safe work practices. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Minimum 5 years of experience in design, testing, troubleshooting, and delivery of Substation Automation Systems (SAS). Eligibility Requirements The preferred work location for this role is at our location in Salt Lake City, UT but highly qualified remote candidates will be considered. Fluent in English and able to travel up to 30% across the U.S. and Canada. Desired Characteristics Strong expertise in substation automation design and implementation, including network architecture, SCADA/HMI, databases, cybersecurity, IED integration, and system testing. Proficient in programming electrical control systems, including SCADA/HMI, network devices, firewalls, IEC 61131 PLCs, and energy management systems for utility, industrial, DER, and microgrid applications. Knowledgeable in utility standards, protection systems, commissioning, and tailoring solutions to customer needs. Experienced with grid automation protocols such as IEC 61850, Modbus, and DNP3, as well as smart grid and renewable energy integration. Skilled in DCS troubleshooting, diagnostics, project planning, engineering workflows, and execution. Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Fluent in English; willing to travel up to 30% across the U.S. and Canada. PE license and relevant certifications are a plus. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio. Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: No

What you’ll do

The DCS Engineer defines, designs, and implements automation and control solutions for substation projects, acting as a technical authority. Responsibilities include executing job studies, developing technical documentation, and coordinating with cross-functional teams for testing and site acceptance.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in Substation Automation Systems. Candidates must be fluent in English and capable of traveling up to 30% across the U.S. and Canada.

Listed skills

• Control · Preferred
• Technical Documentation · Preferred
• Technical · Preferred
• Teams · Preferred
• Execution · Preferred
• Energy · Preferred
• management · Preferred
• Documentation · Preferred
• Troubleshooting · Preferred
• Integration · Preferred
• Customer · Preferred
• English · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Substation Automation Systems
• Digital Control Systems
• IEC 61850
• SCADA/HMI
• Cybersecurity
• IED Integration
• Modbus
• DNP3
• Network Architecture
• PLC Programming
• Microgrids
• Distributed Energy Resources
• WAMPAC
• Remedial Action Schemes
• Project Planning
• Technical Design

Job areas

• Engineering
• Energy
• Technology
• Software