Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in McKinney, TX

ABOUT US 

At POWERX, we take pride in being the premier provider of comprehensive power services, ensuring that power systems operate efficiently and reliably. Our commitment to quality and excellence is evident in our field services, engineering and consulting expertise, and adherence to certifications and regulations. Safety and performance are at the forefront of our integrated approach. 

We are a people-first company, valuing integrity, respect, and teamwork. Our mission is to empower businesses by optimizing system performance, ensuring safety and compliance, and driving operational excellence with innovative solutions. At POWERX, we offer a dynamic environment where both experienced professionals and newcomers can grow, make an impact, and build a legacy. 

Our vision is to lead the future of power systems with cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and a relentless focus on customer success. We are dedicated to expanding our expertise, locations, and services while maintaining our people-first philosophy. Partnering with POWERX means gaining a trusted team of passionate experts committed to delivering value and fostering lasting relationships. Join us in making power work for our clients and the communities we serve! 

OUR POWERX PERKS 

• Competitive Pay
• Incentives for Certifications
• Referral Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, Basic Life/AD&D, and other ancillary products
• 401k program with a company match
• Performance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• PTO including Wellness Days and Paid Holidays
• And much more!

Job Summary:

The P&C Test Engineer II is a developing field professional responsible for executing assigned commissioning and testing scopes under the oversight of a Senior or Lead Test Engineer. This role is actively expanding from component-level task execution toward independent system-level understanding and is expected to demonstrate growing confidence in protection testing, drawing navigation, and safe work execution with decreasing reliance on step-by-step direction.

This role is the bridge between entry-level directed execution and the independence expected at the Senior level. The Test Engineer II is expected to bring a questioning attitude to every task, seek to understand the "why" behind each test, and actively pursue the technical knowledge required to advance. This position supports commissioning projects involving relay protection systems, breaker controls, CT/VT circuits, transformer protection, and substation equipment testing across distribution and transmission substations up to 765kV.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

Technical Knowledge

• Execute assigned relay protection testing tasks using Doble, Omicron, RTS, SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, and equivalent testing platforms under Senior or Lead oversight.
• Perform relay input/output testing, analog-to-digital metering checks, and individual element pickup and timing tests with accurate documentation of results.
• Perform CT and VT testing including ratio, polarity, phasing, and single-point grounding verification on familiar configurations with oversight available for complex arrangements.
• Execute breaker control circuit testing including trip path verification, auxiliary contact checks, and breaker functional tests as directed.
• Read and navigate one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, and panel layouts with confidence on standard configurations.
• Identify station phasing and equipment orientation with guidance on novel or complex configurations.
• Apply developing knowledge of AC/DC power system fundamentals and basic power calculations, protection zones and equipment relationship, overcurrent/differential/basic impedance protection concepts, instrument transformer behavior and accuracy class, and breaker control circuits including trip coils, auxiliary contacts, and DC battery systems.
• Navigate relay manufacturer instruction manuals and settings files to support assigned testing tasks.
• Begin connecting individual test results to the broader protection scheme with Senior or Lead coaching.

Technical Development

• Actively engage with POWERX Academy training material, study protection theory, relay platforms, and commissioning standards, and apply all learning directly to field assignments to accelerate progression toward Senior level.
• Develop test plans and task-level isolation plans for routine scopes with Senior or Lead review.
• Review assigned drawing packages prior to testing, identifying questions and potential inconsistencies for discussion with the Senior or Lead before work begins.
• Ensure all testing aligns with utility standards, NETA practices, and client-specific commissioning requirements as communicated by the Senior or Lead.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and well-organized test records, redlines, and daily reports.
• Actively study protection theory, relay platforms, and POWERX commissioning standards to accelerate progression toward Senior level.

Team Contribution

• Support and assist Test Engineers on assigned tasks, sharing developing knowledge and reinforcing safe work practices.
• Demonstrate a consistent questioning attitude, seeking to understand system behavior rather than simply completing assigned steps.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with the Senior or Lead regarding task status, observations, and concerns.
• Participate constructively in pre-job briefs, tailboards, and post-job reviews.
• Demonstrate and model a questioning attitude, attention to detail, and professional execution at all times.

Safety & Human Performance

• Maintain and promote a safety-first culture in all substation environments.
• Adhere to Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and switching boundaries, with Senior or Lead verification on complex isolation configurations.
• Apply Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools correctly on all tasks, selecting appropriate tools with guidance from the Senior or Lead as needed.
• Perform live-dead-live checks independently on every task involving energized equipment.
• Participate actively in daily safety discussions, JHA reviews, and pre-job briefs.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, NERC CIP, utility requirements, and internal POWERX standards.
• Escalate any safety concern or unexpected field condition to the Senior or Lead immediately.

Client & Operational Engagement

• Maintain professional conduct in all client and operations interactions.
• Communicate task status and observations clearly to the Senior or Lead for project reporting.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all commissioning activities, test results, and field observations.
• Support the Senior or Lead in preparing turnover documentation and commissioning packages.

Additional responsibilities and tasks as required to support the organization's goals and adapt to evolving business needs.

Attributes/Abilities:

• Must have a satisfactory background/MVR check.
• Must pass a pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and/or random drug test.
• Questioning attitude - seeks to understand the "why" behind each test, flags drawing inconsistencies and unexpected results, and raises questions with the Senior or Lead before work begins rather than assuming intent.
• High attention to detail across wiring landings, test connections, settings file handling, and documentation - every test result, redline, and daily report is complete, accurate, and defensible.
• Calm and methodical under outage windows, client observation, and work in energized substation environments up to 765kV.
• Strong communication skills - proactively reports task status, observations, and concerns to the Senior or Lead, and contributes constructively in pre-job briefs, tailboards, JHA reviews, and post-job reviews.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical depth - actively studies protection theory, relay platforms (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Doble, Omicron, RTS), and POWERX commissioning standards to accelerate progression toward Senior level.
• Customer-focused mentality - represents POWERX with professionalism and respect for the client's facility, operations personnel, and outage schedule at all times.
• Organizational discipline - keeps test records, redlines, commissioning folders, and daily reports complete and well-structured, and supports the Senior or Lead in turnover documentation and commissioning package preparation.
• Adaptability across distribution and transmission substation environments, varied relay platforms and protection schemes, night and weekend outage schedules, and travel as required.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development through POWERX Academy training, mentorship from Senior and Lead engineers, and steady progression along the P&C career ladder.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel sufficient to produce accurate test records, redlines, daily field reports, and task-level test and isolation plans for Senior or Lead review.
• Capable of following technical direction from the Senior or Lead and applying it accurately in the field, while beginning to exercise independent judgment on familiar, standard configurations.

Experience and Education:

• Minimum 1+ years of experience in high-voltage Protection & Control testing and commissioning, required.
• Familiar with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Westinghouse, or equivalent relay platforms, required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Technology, or an Associate degree in Electrical Technology or related field experience preferred.
• Experience commissioning substations from 12.5kV through 245kV preferred.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA Electrical Safe Work Practices is preferred.
• First Aid / CPR certification preferred.
• Familiarity with NERC CIP requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work safely around energized electrical equipment and mechanical hazards.
• Ability to work in operational substations and construction environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work overtime and outage schedules as necessary.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, vibration, heat, dust, oil, grease, and energized equipment environments.

POWERX isan equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.