Senior Engineer - Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) Strategy

Salt River Project is seeking a Senior Engineer - Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) Strategy for the PAC team supporting research, development, testing, and training in a hybrid setup.

Responsibilities

• Support PAC research and development for emerging technologies, tools, and methods.
• Evaluate, prototype, and pilot new protection schemes, automation technologies, and engineering approaches.
• Develop and execute proof-of-concept designs, lab tests, simulations, and field pilots.
• Document findings and recommendations and help transition successful innovations into standard engineering practice.
• Design, develop, and deliver structured PAC technical training programs for PAC engineers and field personnel.
• Maintain and improve PAC lab environments for hands-on training and validation activities.
• Provide mentorship, technical coaching, and guidance across PAC teams to strengthen organizational capability.
• Collaborate with vendors, OEMs, and industry groups to evaluate technologies and share learning.
• Serve as a technical resource for emerging PAC trends and innovations.
• Support development, maintenance, and improvement of standard protection setting templates, design schemes, and commissioning procedures.
• Support adoption of PAC tools, platforms, and engineering practices across PAC groups.
• Act as a technical resource for complex issues and cross-functional initiatives across PAC teams.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum.
• Experience with control or SCADA systems.
• Experience with PAC design, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with digital substation (IEC 61850) preferred.
• Experience with Protection and Power System software including ASPEN Oneliner, Powerbase, Test Universe, and Synergi Electric.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop or RTDS testing preferred.
• Experience conducting technical research, pilots, or lab testing.
• Experience developing or delivering technical training preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of protection relays, schemes, and substation automation.
• Ability to research and evaluate new engineering technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and technical presentation skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical learning content.
• High level of initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous improvement of learning.
• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.

Technologies

• SCADA
• IEC 61850
• ASPEN Oneliner
• Powerbase
• Test Universe
• Synergi Electric
• Hardware-in-the-loop
• RTDS

Benefits

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs, including access to a recreation and fitness facility
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

Hybrid Workplace

• Hybrid workplace allows telework up to three days per week when the job can be performed remotely and the employee has sufficient technical capability.
• Teleworking is available, but all employees must live and work in Arizona.

Work Authorization

• All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visas.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

• SRP maintains a drug/alcohol free work environment.
• Marijuana may be legal in Arizona, but SRP considers it an illegal drug under its drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.
• Impaired candidates during the hiring process, or candidates with the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test, may be disqualified.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

• Committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Location

• Scottsdale, AZ (hybrid)
• Nearest major market: Phoenix