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Siemens

Substation Automation Engineer

Wendell, NC · On-site

Substation Automation Engineer Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 40 Hours/Week Summary of Duties: Design, implement, and maintain automation systems and associated equipment for power ...

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$113.6K

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How much do substation automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation automation engineer in the United States is $113,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substation Automation Engineer?

A Substation Automation Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, implements, and maintains automation systems for electrical substations. Their work involves integrating intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), communication networks, and control systems to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of substations. They are responsible for configuring protection and control schemes, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role is crucial for modernizing power grids and supporting remote monitoring and control of substations.

What is the difference between Substation Automation Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectSubstation Automation EngineerPower Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in automation or control systemsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, often with power systems or related certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and maintain automation systems in substationsDesign and analyze power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, automation solution providersUtilities, consulting firms, power generation companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to substation automationUnderstanding roles in power system design and analysis

The Substation Automation Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining automation systems within electrical substations, ensuring efficient control and communication. In contrast, the Power Systems Engineer works on the broader electrical power network, including generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Both roles require electrical engineering backgrounds but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Substation Automation Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing power systems?

Substation Automation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility between legacy equipment and modern digital solutions. Upgrading systems while minimizing downtime and maintaining safety standards requires careful planning and coordination with multiple teams, including IT, operations, and maintenance. Additionally, keeping up with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity requirements can be demanding, but these efforts are critical to ensuring reliable and secure substation operations. Collaborating closely with vendors and stakeholders helps streamline the integration process and address unexpected technical issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substation Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Automation Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, protection relays, IEC 61850 protocols, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in cross-functional project teams and client interactions. These skills ensure reliable substation operations, seamless integration of automation solutions, and enhanced power system performance.
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What job categories do people searching Substation Automation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Automation Engineer jobs are:
Substation Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Substation Automation Engineer - Grid Modernization

Substation Automation Engineer - Grid Modernization

Black & Veatch

Houston, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Black & Veatch rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 351 rated engineering

Job description

Substation Automation Engineer - Grid Modernization

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

The opportunity in this role may have the opportunity to:

  • Lead the transition of IEC 61850-based digital and virtual substations from pilot to production, shaping real-world grid modernization outcomes.
  • Design and standardize secure, vendor-agnostic substation automation architectures that improve resilience, flexibility, and scalability.
  • Serve as a technical leader and subject-matter expert, influencing system architecture, best practices, and emerging standards.
  • Collaborate with utilities, technology partners, and industry groups (including vPAC Alliance) to help define the future of protection, automation, and control.

Candidates located near any Black & Veatch U.S. Regional Office may be considered, with preference for the following locations - Kansas City (KS), Atlanta (GA), Raleigh (NC), Dallas (TX), Houston (TX), Orlando (FL), Portland (OR) or Phoenix (AZ).

Black & Veatch is expanding its Power SCADA team to support a strategic grid modernization initiative focused on IEC 61850-based substation automation and virtual substation technologies. As a founding member of the Virtual Protection, Automation, and Control (vPAC) Alliance, Black & Veatch is collaborating with industry leaders to advance open, secure, and vendor-agnostic digital substation solutions that replace traditional, hardware-intensive architectures with virtualized, software-defined platforms.

Following successful pilot efforts, BV is now transitioning virtual substations into production environments. This role is being created to bring in experienced SCADA professionals who can help design, implement, standardize, and support production-ready Power SCADA solutions that enable resilient, flexible, and future-ready grid infrastructure.

Key responsibilities include:

  • IEC 61850 Engineering & Modeling
  • Substation Networking & Time Synchronization
  • Protection, Automation & SCADA Integration
  • Cybersecurity & System Hardening
  • Virtualization of Substation Functions
  • Industry Engagement & Technical Leadership
  • Project Delivery & Collaboration

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks for operational technology environments
  • Interest or participation in IEEE and IEC standards development
  • Experience deploying or supporting virtualized protection, automation, and control applications

Minimum qualifications include:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience

This position would require working in a typical office environment. The position may entail prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, and the professional would ideally be able to maintain focus and attention to detail throughout the workday. The position may also require physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods of time. Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915

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