Job Description

Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I

Location: Birmingham, AL
Contract Duration: 18+ Months
Client: Alabama Power

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