Principal Engineer - Substation Automation (62810)

Energy Consulting Group 

As a Principal Engineer – Substation Automation in the Energy Consulting group, you will function as a subject matter expert working on NEIs new or complex projects in the Mission Critical & Industrial Department. This position will have a high level of autonomy and involve leadership, mentoring, and engineering responsibilities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment helping with QA/QC, training, cost estimation, and establishing / enforcing best practices and procedures. 

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 / year 

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.  

This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, CO) and full-time remote candidates. 

• Works closely with Directors, Program Managers, and Project Engineers, acting as a subject matter expert on the most complex projects within the Mission Critical & Industrial department 

• Performs or reviews detailed design of all aspects of Substation Automation projects include electrical diagrams, SCADA drawings and points lists, communications and networking diagrams and segmented IP lists, selection of equipment, writing of equipment specifications, and project budgeting/scheduling.  

• Prepares or reviews software-defined relay and device settings, develops reports, and guides field personnel for SCADA, network, and protection systems 

• Spearheads the creation and implementation of standards and provides technical leadership and guidance for QA/QC on substation engineering projects 

• Attend technical conferences and develop technical industry content including white papers. Strong preference for someone to be involved in industry committees.  

• Acts a Subject Matter Expert in the proposal process interpreting RFPs, developing and approving cost estimates and proposal write ups.  

• Trains, coaches, and mentors engineers across the department at various levels to promote quality and ensure career growth for team members.  

• Assists with the creation and enforcement of technical standards across the department 

• Meeting with new and perspective clients, assisting the Business Development team to showcase company capability and thought leadership. 

• Leads teams for field inspection, testing, and commissioning of Substation Automation systems 

• Checks the work of engineers and field service personnel for overall quality and accuracy as required 

• Maintains professional understanding of all applicable Codes and Standards, and construction practices 

• Maintains strong and responsive Company-Client relationships, particularly for new or high-risk scopes and relationships. 

• Maintains high ethical and professional standards 

• Attends safety training and follows safety rules and guidelines 

• Other duties as assigned 

• Education: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution 

• Experience: 7+ years of relevant engineering or field experience  

• Licensure: PE is preferred 

• Deep experience with high voltage substation automation, including IEC 61850, is required 

• Interest in training, mentoring, and coaching is required 

• Proficiency with SCADA systems, SEL Relays, Siemens SIPROTEC relays, Industrial network configuration including PRP, and at least one vPAC vendor/system. 

• Possesses effective written and oral communications skills 

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis 

Work Environment: 

Work is performed in an office setting and some field work may be required 

Travel: 

Typical: 15 – 35% 

Physical Activities: 

Must be able to lift 25lbs.  

Serving Others. Enriching Environment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Post for seven straight years (2020-2026), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI’s mission is to create a great organization that serves people and solves problems. 

Since NEI’s founding, we have developed a culture of collaboration and accountability across our teams and departments, and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in two core ideas: hiring great people and celebrating our team members diverse background and unique experiences; bringing in new, unique, and exciting perspectives that can only strengthen NEI as we chart out path into the future. 

We are a proud equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.  

We believe that taking care of our team members is of the utmost importance. We strive to foster a community of belonging, professional development, and industry involvement; providing our team with the benefits, tools, and support systems to excel in their roles. Out comprehensive benefits package includes:  

• 100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability 

• Voluntary Life Insurance 

• 401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting 

• Annual & discretionary bonus programs 

• Paid time off

• Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences 

• Paid parental leave 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion 

• Annual Team Building 

• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility 

• Career development, training, and coaching opportunities 

• Pet insurance