Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer Jobs in Illinois

GAI Consultants is seeking a Substation and/or Protection & Controls Engineer 3 for substation-related work.  This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, design reviews, QA/QC review, and enforcement related to all aspects of protection & controls design services.  The successful candidate will work on various substation and/or protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on a “Client First” approach to all interactions.

Job Duties:

• Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following:
• Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangement, grounding, schematics and wiring, control and relaying panels and equipment wiring including coordinating with CAD operators to develop organized quality CAD drawings.
• Integrate protection and control drawings to interface with the physical layout and design of substations.
• Design of interfacing with SCADA systems and communications including RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
• Development of control and relay panel layouts including assembling the specifications.
• Creation of project criteria.
• Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
• Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
• Design and sizing of conduit, cable, and backup generators.
• Ordering long-lead item materials.
• Point to Point checks.
• Review junior engineer’s designs, verify they meet client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in client’s protection.
• Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients and attending project-specific meetings on a regular basis.
• Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
• Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
• Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
• Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
• Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.  
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks. 
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment. 
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work. 
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings. 
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance. 
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings. 
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes. 

Technical Responsibilities 

• Develops and reviews complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance. 
• Typically, in responsible charge of projects. 
• Keeps informed of updates to standards, regulations, and best practices. 
• Analyzes complex engineering projects to determine design requirements, uncertainties, and constraints. 
• Acknowledges and applies concepts of sustainability to engineering projects. 

Project and Task Management 

• Assigns tasks to and directs other technical and non-technical staff. 
• Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work.   
• Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments. 
• Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects or programs. 

General Characteristics 

• Independently applies extensive and diverse knowledge of principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields. 

• Modifies or extends accepted theories and practices of engineering to complete assignments. 
• Acts in responsible charge of projects. 
• Leads tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes. 
• Develops plans, specifications, and other project documents. 
• Selects appropriate principles of engineering economics, and probability and statistics to analyze risk in a complex engineering problem. 

Communication, Teamwork and Leadership 

• Possesses advanced oral and written communication skills, including interpretation of complex technical and contractual language. 
• Considers the needs of diverse project stakeholders. 
• Leads project meetings and represents the organization in communications pertaining to broad aspects of engineering assignments. 
• Analyzes and selects principles of formal communication, effective teamwork, and various pathways to developing leadership. 
• Sustains a diverse and inclusive team culture. 

Management, Supervision and Guidance 

• Receives supervision and guidance relating to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. 
• Receives direction on unusual conditions and developments. 
• Provides mentored experience to direct reports and other engineers. 
• Demonstrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering, including creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability. 

Education 

• B.S. Engineering 

Certification/Licensure 

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states. 

Experience 

• 8+ 

Why GAI? 

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore anarray of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative teamthat’scommitted to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth. 

Benefits To Working at GAI Include: 

Competitive Pay & Recognition 

• Marketbased, competitive compensation 

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses 

Comprehensive Health & Wellness 

• Medical, dental, and vision plans 

• Companypaid short-term and long-term disability 

• Companypaid life insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources 

Meaningful Work–Life Balance 

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays 

• Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you 

• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave 

Growth, Learning & Financial Security 

• 401(k) with company match 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications