S

Power Systems Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Houston, Texas, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Aug 21, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Power System Studies / Project Engineer II–III (Engineering Services)

**Stack/tools: **

  • Automation/controls: PLCs, RTAC, HMI, SCADA

  • Programming: IEC 61131-3 (Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams)

  • Power/standards: IEEE, IEC, NERC

  • Comms protocols (preferred): IEC 61850, DNP, Modbus

  • Products (preferred): SEL PowerMAX configurations

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    1. Design & develop automation solutions for power system management projects (SEL PowerMAX).

    2. Configure/program automation devices (PLCs/RTAC/HMI/SCADA) and define system requirements/specs.

    3. Test, troubleshoot, and commission automation solutions; produce detailed engineering designs/schematics/layouts for industrial/commercial facilities.

  • Must-have skills:

    • 4+ years building automation solutions for power management / microgrid control projects

    • Strong knowledge of power system components, microgrid architectures, and automation technologies

    • Hands-on experience with PLCs/RTAC/HMI/SCADA

    • IEC 61131-3 programming proficiency (Structured Text, FBD)

    • Project management: timelines, prioritization, delivery

    • Communication/collaboration with cross-functional teams/clients

    • Travel: ≥20% domestically and abroad

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • IEC 61131-3 experience specifically (beyond baseline)

    • Experience with **IEC 61850 / DNP

Full Description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power System Studies Engineer in Engineering Services, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Project Engineer, a typical day might include the following

  • Design and develop automation solutions for power system management projects, focusing on the SEL PowerMAX solution.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements, specifications, and timelines.
  • Develop detailed engineering designs, schematics, and layouts for power management systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
  • Configure and program automation devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), real time automation controllers (RTAC), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
  • Perform testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of automation solutions.

This job might be for you if you have

  • A Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions in power management system and microgrid control system projects.
  • Strong knowledge of power system components, microgrid architectures, and automation technologies.
  • Hands-on experience with automation devices, including PLCs, RTACs HMIs, and SCADA systems.
  • Industrial control system programming skills especially using IEC-61131-3 programming languages like structured text and function block diagrams.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
  • Proven project management abilities, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver projects on schedule.
  • Understanding of relevant industry standards and regulations, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC, related to power system automation and microgrid integration.
  • Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with IEC-61131 programming
  • Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
  • Experience with SEL product configurations.
  • Location
  • Houston, TX - This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.
  • 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. Pay Range Data Project Engineer II - $115,000 - $170,000. Project Engineer III - $136,000 - $201,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. 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.

Power System AutomationMicrogrid ControlPLC ProgrammingRTACHMISCADAIEC-61131-3Structured TextFunction Block DiagramsProject ManagementElectrical EngineeringIEEE StandardsIEC StandardsNERC RegulationsCommunication ProtocolsSEL Product Configurationmulti-location

Cookies & analytics consent

We serve candidates globally, so we only activate Google Tag Manager and other analytics after you opt in. This keeps us aligned with GDPR/UK DPA, ePrivacy, LGPD, and similar rules. Essential features still run without analytics cookies.

Read how we use data in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.