Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design (ESMP)

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National Grid is hiring a Lead Engineer - Lab Specialist for our Digital Substation Standards & Support for Hybrid local to Millbury, Massachusetts.

Job Purpose

National Grid is hiring a Lead Engineer - Lab Specialist for our Digital Substation Standards & Support group in Millbury, MA.

Job Purpose

National Grid is implementing its Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) to enable an electric network that supports the Commonwealths climate, clean energy, and equity goals and delivers the fair, affordable, and clean energy transition for all our customers and communities. Working within the New England Digital Substation Standards & Support team, the Lead Engineer - Lab Specialist position is responsible for lifecycle management of digital technologies for an electric utility.

Key Accountabilities

• Support implementation and delivery of the Electric Sector Modernization Plan. Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Support day-to-day delivery, operations, maintenance, configuration, and system integration of the digital laboratory.
• Coordinate lab usage, schedules, and test activities across engineering, operations, vendors, and project teams.
• Establish and maintain lab infrastructure including power supplies, communication networks, and virtualized environments.
• Support commissioning-style testing, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and proof-of-concept evaluations for new technologies and designs.
• Configure and troubleshoot substation communication protocols, including but not limited to IEC 61850 (MMS, GOOSE, Sampled Values), DNP3, and Modbus.
• Ensure lab environments reflect utility standards, approved architectures, and real-world substation and field configurations.
• Prepare and maintain lab documentation, test procedures, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and asset inventories.
• Support the development and validation of utility standards, guidelines, and best practices related to digital substations, utility field environment, and communications.
• Provide clear written and verbal technical feedback on lab findings, test results, and system performance.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency, safety, reliability, and repeatability of testing processes.
• Support training activities and knowledge sharing related to new technologies and lab capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology from an ABET accredited engineering institution required.
• 6 years minimum of experience supporting substation, protection and control, SCADA, or utility communications systems.
• Hands-on experience with substation equipment, including IEDs, data concentrators, networking devices, and test equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Willingness to travel for meetings, training, and conferences, including potential extended hours for emergencies or storm events.
• Familiarity with IEEE/ANSI Standards, NESC, IEC, and National Electrical Code (as applicable).
• Experience supporting cybersecurity concepts in OT environments a plus.
• Vendor-specific relay, SCADA, or networking certifications a plus.
• EIT Certification or Registered Professional Engineering License a plus.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and leadership qualities.
• Valid driver's license required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid's Safe Driver policy to facilitate travel, as required, across US service territory.

More Information

Salary - $156,000 - $183,000

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise.  We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve.  National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.