Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Automation Engineers design SCADA systems to address operational requirements & emerging trends including Smart Grid, Substation & Distribution Automation applications, Battery Energy Storage, and Microgrid controllers. As an Automation Engineer in our Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit you will:

• Engage in fast-paced client projects to plan, engineer, & design SCADA and communications systems.  
• Develop communication block diagrams, panel layout/bill of material drawings, SCADA AC & DC schematics, fiber detail drawings, & network drawings.
• Provide reviews/design input of P&C drawings for SCADA system requirements.
• Develop points lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
• Develop configurations for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) - (SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, GE-D20, etc.)
• Develop configurations for programmable automation controllers (PACs) - (SEL-2440/2411, etc.)
• Program Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications (SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, Wonderware, etc.)
• Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop/review communication port settings for protection relays, meters, & other IEDs.
• Develop network device configurations for switches, routers, & firewalls. (Cisco, Siemens Ruggedcomm, SEL, etc.)
• Perform troubleshooting of SCADA system network & communication systems (DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, UDP) remotely and onsite (if required).
• Develop SCADA system and Network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools to improve project efficiency (python, etc.)
• Stage, configure & test integrated systems designs, for interoperability & performance consistent with predictive models in our Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory.
• Ensure strict adherence to NERC standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
• Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design. 
• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice." 
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices as needed.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package. 

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• 8 years of experience in design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of substation SCADA and communication systems.
• Experience with SEL, Novatech, & GE RTUs and software.
• Basic understanding of LAN/WAN devices and topology.
• Knowledge of DNP, Modbus, SEL, IEC-61850 (MMS/Goose) protocols - serial & IP based.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications. 
• Ability & willingness to travel up to 30%.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) License.
• Master of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
• Experience with communication troubleshooting software/hardware (ASE Test Set, Wireshark, etc.)
• Protective relay settings experience (SEL, GE, ABB etc.)
• Radio communications experience.
• Network design credentials, applied knowledge of IP / MPLS.
• Well versed in use of MS Project & Visio.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Familiar with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards & Cyber-Security.
• CISSP certification.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.