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Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Power Systems, Industrial Automation

PE I - Automation Engineer

MarylandOnsiteFull Time$90,000–$120,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • SEL equipment
  • real-time logic controllers
  • communication equipment
  • RTUs
  • SCADA client
  • custom logic
  • fault location
  • isolation
  • restoration
  • power system analytic software

Nice to have

  • SEL product configurations
  • IEC-61131 programming
  • Python programming
  • IT/OT Network design
  • IT/OT Network troubleshooting
  • Wireshark

Role summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is seeking an Automation Engineer to focus on data collection, logic controls, and data presentation for power system monitoring and control. The role involves planning, designing, developing, testing, and commissioning projects using real-time logic controllers and communication equipment. Responsibilities include configuring controllers as RTUs, developing HMI/SCADA interfaces, implementing custom logic for fault isolation and restoration, and configuring workstations for power system analytics. The engineer will also research SEL and third-party equipment, explore OT network solutions, and stay abreast of emerging technologies. Key duties involve technical leadership, customer interaction, quality assurance, and project execution from design through commissioning. This position is located in King of Prussia, PA or Hanover, MD.

  • Job Description

    Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. As a Power Systems Engineer- Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system. Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to:

    • Communication network equipment 

    • Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs.

    • Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client.

    • Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation and restoration.

    • Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software

    As an Automation Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

    • Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers

    • Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects

    • Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction

      • Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment and solutions

      • Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture and Applications Data Flow)

      • Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area.

    • Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal

      • Automation Design Specifications and drawings

      • Product configurations

      • Factory testing and procedures

      • Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures

      • Service reports

    • Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning.

    This position will consider candidates from an Associate or Engineering I level.

    This job might be for you if:  

    • Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)

    • Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research

    • Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues.

    • Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations

    • Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials

    • Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.) 

    • Experience with server/client SCADA applications

    • Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications

    • Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad


    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with phase I/O style project management

    • Experience with SEL product configurations

    • Experience with IEC-61131 programming

    • Experience with Python programming

    • Experience with IT/OT Network design

    • Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark)

    • Substation safety training

    Multiple Locations:

    King of Prussia, PA- This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.

    Hanover, MD- This position is located in Hanover, MD. Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Hanover offers residents convenient commuting options, excellent shopping, hiking and easy access to BWI Airport. With all these variety, it makes Hanover a desirable place to live.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Salary Information

$90,000 - 120,000 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. #INDD2

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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