SCADA Controls Engineer

The SCADA Controls Engineer will design, configure, and support substation automation systems, with a strong focus on Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), SCADA, PLCs, and gateway solutions. This role combines engineering design, configuration, testing, and field support to ensure reliable and compliant operation of high and medium voltage substation control and protection systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with project teams, field services, and other stakeholders to deliver robust, safe, and efficient substation automation solutions across a defined service territory.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop substation network architectures for control and automation systems.
• Configure, program, and test substation automation systems, including RTUs, PLCs, protection relays, and SCADA systems.
• Prepare and maintain detailed engineering design documents, including drawings, schematics, and configuration files.
• Develop and manage protection relay configurations for high and medium voltage switchgear.
• Support field installations of substation automation and integration equipment, including on-site commissioning and testing.
• Provide remote support for substation automation systems, diagnosing and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
• Conduct site assessments and inspections to verify system performance and ensure compliance with applicable standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate with project managers, field services, and other stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and execute automation projects successfully.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for SCADA connectivity, communication links, and control system interfaces.
• Ensure safe working procedures and practices at all times, adhering strictly to safety and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and review technical documentation, including configuration reports, test plans, and as-built records.
• Respond to customer comments and approval requests, incorporating feedback into designs and configurations.
• Utilize engineering tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and related applications to create and update design drawings.
• Support continuous improvement of substation automation standards, templates, and engineering practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Control, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working with substation automation systems, including RTUs and SCADA.
• Practical experience configuring and testing RTUs, PLCs, and SCADA systems for substation applications.
• Strong knowledge of utility communication protocols such as IEC 61850, OPC, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 101, IEC 104, and TCP/IP.
• Proficiency in engineering and testing of control and protection relays for high and medium voltage switchgear.
• Ability to develop, modify, and validate protection relay settings and configurations.
• Experience with SCADA connectivity over TCP/IP using CAT5 and fiber, as well as serial communication (RS-232/485).
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and control systems troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and familiarity with MicroStation for electrical and controls design work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document designs and technical findings.
• Ability to handle customer comments, review feedback, and approval responses professionally and constructively.
• Ability to perform field work, including site assessments, inspections, and support for installations and commissioning.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in electrical, controls, and communication systems.

• Electrical Engineering degree with coursework or training in controls, PLCs, and microprocessors.
• Training or practical experience with SCADA systems and related field equipment.
• Experience with protection relay configuration software and associated vendor tools.
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as AmpCalc, SDS for Protection & Control (P&C), and Autodesk Vault.
• Exposure to or experience with web-based or scripting technologies such as HTML in the context of automation or SCADA interfaces.
• Background in controls engineering, control systems, and microprocessor-based protection and control devices.
• Experience in electrical troubleshooting within substation or industrial control environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, designers, and field personnel across multiple locations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and documentation sets for concurrent projects.

The SCADA Controls Engineer will work in a collaborative environment alongside other engineers, designers, and field services personnel. The role involves a mix of office-based engineering and field operations work. Office work includes using tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, AmpCalc, SDS for Protection & Control, Autodesk Vault, and various protection relay configuration and SCADA software. Field work will focus on supporting substation automation systems across the northern portion of the service territory centered around Birmingham and extending roughly from Tuscaloosa to Anniston. The position reports to a Birmingham-based field services office and requires travel within this region for site assessments, installations, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Work includes both on-site and remote support for substation automation equipment, with frequent interaction over TCP/IP networks, fiber and copper communication links, and serial interfaces. The role requires consistent adherence to safety and compliance guidelines in substations and field locations, with appropriate use of safety procedures and protective equipment as required by the site and the tasks being performed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.