Principal Engineer - Substation Automation

Principal Engineer – Substation Automation

Energy Consulting Group

About the Position

As a Principal Engineer – Substation Automation in the Energy Consulting group, you will function as a subject matter expert working on NEIs new or complex projects in the Mission Critical & Industrial Department. This position will have a high level of autonomy and involve leadership, mentoring, and engineering responsibilities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment helping with QA/QC, training, cost estimation, and establishing / enforcing best practices and procedures.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 / year

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.

This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, CO) and full-time remote candidates.

Essential Responsibilities

Works closely with Directors, Program Managers, and Project Engineers, acting as a subject matter expert on the most complex projects within the Mission Critical & Industrial department

Performs or reviews detailed design of all aspects of Substation Automation projects include electrical diagrams, SCADA drawings and points lists, communications and networking diagrams and segmented IP lists, selection of equipment, writing of equipment specifications, and project budgeting/scheduling.

Prepares or reviews software-defined relay and device settings, develops reports, and guides field personnel for SCADA, network, and protection systems

Spearheads the creation and implementation of standards and provides technical leadership and guidance for QA/QC on substation engineering projects

Attend technical conferences and develop technical industry content including white papers. Strong preference for someone to be involved in industry committees.

Acts a Subject Matter Expert in the proposal process interpreting RFPs, developing and approving cost estimates and proposal write ups.

Trains, coaches, and mentors engineers across the department at various levels to promote quality and ensure career growth for team members.

Assists with the creation and enforcement of technical standards across the department

Meeting with new and perspective clients, assisting the Business Development team to showcase company capability and thought leadership.

Leads teams for field inspection, testing, and commissioning of Substation Automation systems

Checks the work of engineers and field service personnel for overall quality and accuracy as required

Maintains professional understanding of all applicable Codes and Standards, and construction practices

Maintains strong and responsive Company-Client relationships, particularly for new or high-risk scopes and relationships.

Maintains high ethical and professional standards

Attends safety training and follows safety rules and guidelines

Other duties as assigned

Must Have

Education: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution

Experience: 7+ years of relevant engineering or field experience

Licensure: PE is preferred

Deep experience with high voltage substation automation, including IEC 61850, is required

Interest in training, mentoring, and coaching is required

Proficiency with SCADA systems, SEL Relays, Siemens SIPROTEC relays, Industrial network configuration including PRP, and at least one vPAC vendor/system.

Possesses effective written and oral communications skills

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Working Conditions

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting and some field work may be required

Travel:

Typical: 15 – 35%

Physical Activities:

Must be able to lift 25lbs.

About NEI Electric Power Engineering

Serving Others. Enriching Environment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Post for seven straight years (2020-2026), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI’s mission is to create a great organization that serves people and solves problems.

Since NEI’s founding, we have developed a culture of collaboration and accountability across our teams and departments, and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in two core ideas: hiring great people and celebrating our team members diverse background and unique experiences; bringing in new, unique, and exciting perspectives that can only strengthen NEI as we chart out path into the future.

Team Member Benefits

We believe that taking care of our team members is of the utmost importance. We strive to foster a community of belonging, professional development, and industry involvement; providing our team with the benefits, tools, and support systems to excel in their roles. Out comprehensive benefits package includes:

100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Life Insurance

401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting

Annual & discretionary bonus programs

Paid time off

Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion

Annual Team Building

Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility

Career development, training, and coaching opportunities

Pet insurance