Build a Practice. Develop Engineers. Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure.
L.L. Blue Engineering is seeking an experienced Lead Protection Relay Test & Commissioning Engineer to establish and grow our Protection & Controls Testing Practice.
This is more than a senior testing role. This position will work directly with the Managing Principal to build the technical capabilities, testing laboratory, standards, procedures, and engineer development programs that will support the long-term growth of our Protection & Controls services.
The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on utility relay testing and commissioning experience with the leadership ability to develop engineers, solve complex power system challenges, and build a high-performing technical practice.
Required Utility Protection & Controls Experience
Applicants must have direct experience performing:
- Protection relay testing and commissioning
- Transmission and distribution substation testing
- Relay functional testing, startup, and troubleshooting
- OMICRON relay testing
- SCADA and RTAC testing
- Power system troubleshooting and fault analysis
This is not a software development, IT, network engineering, cybersecurity, systems engineering, automation engineering, or PLC programming position.
Direct utility Protection & Controls relay testing and commissioning experience is strongly preferred and will receive priority consideration.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET), or a related engineering discipline
- Minimum 12 years of utility Protection & Controls testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance experience
- Hands-on experience with microprocessor-based protective relays including SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or similar platforms
- Proficiency using OMICRON Test Universe or equivalent relay testing software and equipment
- Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, protection schematics, wiring diagrams, and elementary drawings
- Ability to travel to substations, generating facilities, industrial locations, and client sites as required
- Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Experience with substation protection and control engineering and design
- Experience with substation construction and commissioning
- Experience with SCADA systems, RTACs, automation systems, and IEC 61850 communications
- Previous experience mentoring engineers and technicians
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Field Execution
- Lead testing, commissioning, startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities for transmission and distribution substations and Protection & Controls equipment
- Perform and oversee relay calibration, functional testing, equipment checkout, SCADA verification, communications testing, and system startup
- Verify relay settings, protective schemes, metering, alarms, controls, communications, and remote SCADA functionality
- Diagnose and resolve complex protection, control, automation, and communications issues
- Coordinate field testing activities with clients, contractors, project managers, and engineering teams
- Ensure testing and commissioning work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project and quality requirements
Build the Protection & Controls Testing Practice
- Lead the establishment and expansion of L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing laboratory
- Implement OMICRON test equipment, relay platforms, RTACs, communications equipment, and simulation environments
- Establish standardized testing procedures, templates, quality documentation, and engineering best practices
- Evaluate technologies and testing methodologies that improve technical capabilities, quality, and operational efficiency
- Help define the technical direction and long-term growth of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice
Engineer Development & Mentorship
- Mentor and coach junior engineers through field assignments, laboratory exercises, and technical development activities
- Establish technical training programs, certification pathways, and competency standards
- Develop engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, safety, and technical excellence
Client & Business Development Support
- Build and maintain strong relationships with utility, industrial, and infrastructure clients
- Participate in proposal development, technical presentations, project planning, and client meetings
- Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and Protection & Controls service offerings
- Represent L.L. Blue Engineering with professionalism and technical excellence
What Success Looks Like
During the first 12 to 18 months, success in this role includes:
- Launching a fully functional Protection & Controls testing laboratory
- Establishing standardized testing procedures and quality documentation
- Successfully leading complex relay testing and commissioning projects
- Developing engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
- Expanding the technical capabilities of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice
- Supporting growth of Protection & Controls testing services throughout the Southeast
- Helping establish L.L. Blue Engineering as a trusted provider of relay testing and commissioning services
Benefits
L.L. Blue Engineering offers:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid Time Off and company holidays
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Company-supported certifications and technical training
- Career advancement opportunities within a growing engineering organization
- Direct opportunity to build and lead a growing technical practice
Why Join L.L. Blue Engineering?
Most Protection & Controls testing positions focus on maintaining an established program.
This opportunity is different.
You will have the opportunity to build a testing practice from the ground up, establish a dedicated testing laboratory, develop engineers, influence technical standards, and work directly with executive leadership to shape the future of a growing engineering firm.
If you are looking for a leadership opportunity where your technical expertise and vision can have a lasting impact, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.