Protection Control Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

GAI Consultants is seeking a Project Engineer 1 (P&C) 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.

General Characteristics 

• Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization.
• Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions.
• Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their practice and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of projects.
• Leads projects of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project.
• Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering.
• Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action.

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. 

Minimum Years of Experience 

• 10+ Years of Experience

Education 

• B.S. or M.S. Engineering  

Certification/Licensure 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states.

Technical Responsibilities 

• Occasionally serves as the technical advisor in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area.
• Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the practice for the purpose of recommending changes in projects or applications.
• Occasionally develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products.

Project and Task Management  

• Oversees a project team of engineers and technicians.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects.
• Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects.
• Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them.
• Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures

Management Responsibility 

• Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
• Mentors senior staff.
• Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff

Communication Skills 

• Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications.
• Represents their area of specialty within the organization and liaises with related individuals and organizations.
• Routinely interacts with organizational leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others.
• Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership

Why GAI?  

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed 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 salary -GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire) 
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program  
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
• 401k company match
• Tuition Reimbursement 

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