Primary ResponsibilitiesThe primary duties of the Senior Substation Communication Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of substation communication projects. This person should be an experienced, competent engineer who has a good understanding of all commonly used substation equipment, and the SCADA functions associated with that equipment. It is required to have a working knowledge of substation protection and control schemes, RTU's, HMI's, PLC's, I/O devices, communication processors, Ethernet networks and equipment, serial communications, LAN/WAN devices and topology, fiber optics, radio communications, common communication protocols, and applicable device configuration software. Familiarity with SCADA communication aspects of protective relay settings and associated software is also required.
- Complete all technical requirements of substation communication projects of basic to moderate complexity.
- Support substation project scoping efforts by reviewing existing communication infrastructure, current utility standards and best practices to provide a project communication recommendation to the design team.
- Complete technical reviews of substation protection and control schematic diagrams from a communication and/or SCADA perspective.
- Develop RTU and EMS points lists and documentation of RTU data.
- Develop configurations for RTU's, HMI's, I/O devices, meters, PLC's, communication processors, and network devices using proprietary software packages.
- Execute testing and troubleshooting of device configurations in a lab environment.
- Coordination of protective relay communication port parameters and data maps with system protection engineers.
- Coordination of EMS database changes with utilities.
- Provide technical and troubleshooting support for field technicians. This will primarily be via telephone and email, although on-site support will also be required on an as-needed basis.
- Responsible for quality control reviews of communication projects from peers and/or other teams on an as needed basis.
- Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers.
- Work with Business Class Leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
- May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
- Experience in substation communication and SCADA engineering is required.
- Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation communication and SCADA engineering including the following:
- Novatech suite of Orion RTU's and associated NCD3 software.
- SEL suite of automation controllers including SEL-2440/2411 DPAC's, SEL-3530/3555 RTAC's and SEL-2020/2030/2032 communication processors and associated AcSELerator Quickset/Architect/RTAC and SEL-5020 software.
- GE/Harris D20 RTU's and associated ConfigPro and SG Config software.
- ACS/NTX automation controllers and RTU retrofit kits including NTX Explorer software.
- Novatech/Bitronics meter configuration.
- Schneider Electric/Modicon suite of Compact, Quantum, and M340 PLC platforms and associated Concept, Unity, and FasTrack software.
- Total Control/GE QuickPanels and associated QuickDesigner software.
- Citect SCADA HMI software.
- DNP, Modbus, Modbus Plus, IEC-61850/GOOSE, and Conitel protocols (TCP/IP and serial)
- Basic familiarity with usage of relay test set equipment (Omicron, Manta, Doble, etc.)
- Previous experience with an electric utility or architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm desired.
- Local candidates are preferred.
- Some travel may be required.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 10 years of experience
- Professional Engineers (PE or P.Eng) license
- Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
