Lead Contract Test Engineer – Substation Commissioning & Protection
Location
Atlanta, Georgia Region (Primary Focus)
Travel
Regional and national project assignments as required
About the Opportunity
Our client is a growing provider of electrical testing, commissioning, and power system services supporting utility, industrial, power generation, telecommunications, mission critical, and data center infrastructure projects throughout the United States.
As part of continued expansion in the Atlanta market, our client is seeking experienced Lead Contract Test Engineers with a strong background in substation commissioning, relay testing, and protection & control systems. This position offers the opportunity to lead field projects, contribute technical expertise, and work alongside a team that values safety, professionalism, and technical excellence.
Position Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning, maintenance testing, troubleshooting, and operational verification of transmission and distribution substation equipment, including:
- Protective relay systems (electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor-based)
- Protection and control schemes
- SCADA and metering systems
- Communications and pilot protection equipment
- Fiber optic and transfer trip systems
- Line traps, CVTs, carrier equipment, and associated control systems
Additional responsibilities include:
- Relay calibration, functional testing, and commissioning
- Verification of current and voltage inputs
- Validation of local and remote metering systems
- Alarm verification and trip testing
- Troubleshooting protection and control circuits
- Startup and commissioning of new substation installations
- Project planning, scheduling, and execution
- Maintaining project schedules while minimizing operational disruptions
Desired Background
Candidates should possess a strong working knowledge of:
- Utility transmission and distribution systems
- Protective relaying and power system protection concepts
- Three-phase power systems
- Fault analysis and system operations
- SCADA and automation technologies
- Electrical test equipment and associated software platforms
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) in Electrical Engineering or related discipline preferred
Certifications
- ITS Substation 200 or equivalent training preferred
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) certification preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration is considered a plus
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of field experience involving:
- Substation commissioning
- Relay testing and calibration
- Protection and control systems
- Equipment checkout and startup activities
- Troubleshooting and corrective maintenance
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Protection & Control Engineering
- Utility Substation Design
- Substation Construction
- Commissioning Services
- SCADA Integration
- Automation Systems
- Event Recording and Fault Data Analysis
Technical Skills
- Interpretation of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
- Use of industry-standard relay test equipment
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities
- Basic project management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common testing software platforms
Professional Attributes
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills
- Effective communication with customers, contractors, engineers, and field personnel
- Ability to adapt communication style to technical and non-technical audiences
- Commitment to safety, quality, and professional conduct
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package including:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 401(k) Program
- Paid Time Off
- Per Diem Eligibility
- Ongoing Technical Training & Professional Development
- Opportunities for long-term project work and career advancement