Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I
Location: Birmingham, AL
Contract Duration: 18+ Months
Client: Alabama Power
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I to join the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services – Substation Integration & Automation (SIA) team within a utility and power environment.
This role is responsible for supporting the commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and integration of substation automation, SCADA, relay protection, and control systems. The position is primarily field-based and involves working directly within substations and industrial electrical environments.
The ideal candidate will possess strong technical aptitude, foundational power systems knowledge, and a willingness to learn and grow within the utility protection and controls field.
Key Responsibilities
Protection & Control Testing
- Perform commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of:
- Substation integration systems
- SCADA equipment
- Relay protection and control systems
- Automation and communication devices
- Assist with functional testing and validation of substation control schemes.
Substation Integration & Automation
- Support installation and integration of:
- Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
- Microprocessor-based relays
- RTUs and SCADA systems
- Communication equipment
- Configure and verify serial and Ethernet communications.
Field Operations & Project Execution
- Execute field assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule.
- Support project planning and field coordination activities.
- Travel to substations and field locations as required.
- Maintain compliance with utility safety standards and work procedures.
Power System Analysis & Troubleshooting
- Perform:
- Power system measurements
- 3-phase calculations
- AC/DC electrical testing
- Troubleshoot relay, control, and communication system issues.
- Utilize test equipment and hand tools in energized electrical environments.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain testing records and commissioning documentation.
- Support development of test reports and field notes.
- Utilize spreadsheets and productivity tools for project tracking and reporting.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Operations personnel
- Project teams
- Participate as an active team member in field service activities.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Related Engineering discipline
- Degree must be from an accredited institution.
Experience
- 0–5 years of related experience in:
- Protection & Control
- Substation Engineering
- SCADA Systems
- Industrial Controls
- Power Systems
- Entry-level candidates with relevant internships or co-op experience are encouraged to apply.
Desired Technical Qualifications
- Experience or training in:
- Substation SCADA systems
- Microprocessor-based relays / IED technology
- Serial and Ethernet communications
- Industrial control systems (PLCs)
- Relay protection and control equipment
- Generation or industrial plant controls
- AC & DC electrical systems
Technical Knowledge
- Understanding of:
- Control schemes
- SCADA operations
- 3-phase power calculations
- Electrical measurements
- Communication protocols and software
Tools & Equipment
- Ability to use:
- Multimeters
- Hand tools
- Laptops and engineering software
- Spreadsheet and productivity applications
Desired Skills & Abilities
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work safely in substations and industrial environments.
- Strong teamwork and communication abilities.
- Ability to learn quickly in a hands-on field environment.
- Willingness to travel and work at field locations as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience within:
- Utilities
- Power Generation
- Transmission & Distribution
- Industrial Electrical Systems
- Exposure to:
- SEL, GE, ABB, or Schweitzer relay platforms
- SCADA communication systems
- Networked substation environments
Work Environment
- Primarily field-based role supporting substations and utility infrastructure.
- Combination of:
- Field testing
- Commissioning activities
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Technical reporting