Power Systems Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

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Georgia - Columbus Virginia - Richmond Until 8/23/2026 6+ years exp First posted June 5, 2026 Last posted June 5, 2026
Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power Systems Automation Engineer in Sales & Customer Service you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.   

  

As a Power Systems Automation Engineer a typical day might include the following:   

  • Helping customers apply SEL products through visits, demonstrations, training courses and telephone contact. 
  • Maintaining and improving knowledge of power systems automation solutions and all related SEL products. 
  • Provide solutions to a wide variety of increasingly difficult problems and these solutions are imaginative, thorough, and practical. 
  • Participate and present at SEL marketing and sales activities, industry technical meetings, and conferences.
  • Teach SEL University courses.
  • Contributing to and reviewing white papers, application guides, industry journals, and technical papers.

This job might be for you if you: 

  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent. 
  • Have 6+ years of experience in power systems automation and communication.
  • Have relevant experience with utility/industrial power systems, focusing on automation, communications, and control, including: 

    • SCADA fundamentals and protocols (DNP3, Modbus, SEL, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA). 

    • RTUs, RTACs, IEDs, SEL Relays (3XX-8XX series). 

    • PLCs, HMIs. 

    • Serial (EIA-232, EIA-485) and Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP) communications. 

    • Firewalls, Security Gateways (SEL-362X). 

    • Terminal Servers (SEL-3610), Cellular Routers (SEL-3061 or equivalent), Managed Network Switches, SDN. 

    • IEC 61131-3 programming (Structured Text, Continuous Function Chart, Ladder Diagram). 

    • Troubleshooting with Wireshark. 

  • Desire to learn how the power system transmits and receives information between protective devices and the operational systems. 
  • Desire to be involved in the cutting-edge technology of communication technology and protocols. 
  • Enjoying solving complex problems and delighting customers.
  • Are a strong communicator with excellent technical training, speaking, writing, and customer service skills.  ​

Location 

We are open to this role being located in one of the following locations:

  • Columbus, GA
  • Huntsville, AL
  • Richmond, VA
  • Little Rock, AR

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.  

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Salary Range Data

$84,000 - $160,000 per year. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. 

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

About this role

Summary

Designs and supports power system automation solutions, communicates with customers, and improves control systems.

Job title

Power Systems Automation Engineer

Experience level

6+ years

Minimum experience

6+ years exp

Industry

power

Location requirements

Located in Georgia, Virginia, Arkansas, or Alabama; remote allowed

Salary

$84k–$160k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

power systems automationcommunication protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP)RTUs, RTACs, IEDs, SEL RelaysPLC, HMIEIA-232, EIA-485, TCP/IP, UDPfirewalls, security gatewaysTerminal Servers, cellular routers, network switchesIEC 61131-3 programmingWireshark troubleshooting

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

power systemscommunicationautomationcontrolprotocols
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Georgia, USA

Remote State

Virginia, USA

Remote State

Arkansas, USA

Remote State

Alabama, USA

Remote State
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