Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL hybrid Until 8/21/2026 First posted September 23, 2025 Last posted September 23, 2025

Job description

Seasoned Substation Protection & Controls Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in protective relaying, SCADA, and communications for high voltage substations. Knowledge of microprocessor relays and capable of preparing schematic diagrams. This individual interfaces with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers within the Valdes A&E organization. May visit job site as required for exchange of information.

Responsibilities

Solid Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members: assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
Ability to prepare design packages consisting of control panel drawings, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials
Maintain positive business relationships with key clients’ contacts throughout the project lifecycle
Coordinate engineering details/drafting with multiple department designers to develop project drawings
On-site communication with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers
Design of protective relaying schemes for high voltage substations
AC and DC load calculations
Knowledge of microprocessor relays
Development of wiring diagrams and schematic drawings
Cable routing design
Utility interface design

Protection & Controls Duties

Schematic diagram design
Relay selection, control panel drawings, and specifications
Bills of materials
Panel front view and wiring diagrams
SCADA overview development
Control building and panel hardware specifications
Development of sequence of operation and functional description documents

Technical Competencies

Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
3+ years of experience working in substation design
Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.

EEO/AAE

Compensation (from employer):
100000–165000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Designs protection schemes, prepares schematics, and interfaces with clients for high voltage substations.

Job title

Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Experience level

3+ years

Industry

electrical engineering

Location requirements

Lombard, IL, on-site; remote not specified

Salary

100000–165000 USD per year

Management role

Skills & keywords

Required skills

protective relayingSCADAmicroprocessor relaysschematic diagramscontrol panel design

Preferred skills

communicationmulti-taskingSCADASKM software

Specializations

protectioncontrolssubstationrelaysSCADA

Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Lombard, IL, USA

On-site City