Lead Protection & Controls Test Engineer

About L. L. Blue Engineering

L.L. Blue Engineering is a growing engineering and systems integration firm specializing in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, electrical engineering, SCADA systems, OT cybersecurity, and field implementation services. We partner with electric utilities, municipalities, industrial manufacturers, transportation agencies, renewable energy providers, and critical infrastructure organizations to deliver engineering solutions that improve reliability, safety, and operational performance.

Our expertise spans engineering design, systems integration, protection and control, industrial networking, commissioning, cybersecurity, startup support, and long-term operational services.

As our company continues to grow, we are making a significant investment in expanding our Protection & Controls capabilities. We are building a dedicated testing laboratory, formalizing technical development programs, and creating a practice that combines engineering excellence with a strong commitment to mentoring and professional growth.

Lead Protection & Controls Test Engineer

Build a Practice. Develop Engineers. Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure. L.L. Blue Engineering is seeking an experienced Lead Protection & Controls Test Engineer to help establish and grow our Protection & Controls Testing Practice. This is more than a senior testing role-it's an opportunity to build the systems, standards, and technical capabilities that will define the future of our testing organization.

Working directly with the Managing Principal, you'll provide technical leadership for substation testing and commissioning projects while helping develop a dedicated testing laboratory, standardized procedures, and a structured training program that prepares the next generation of Protection & Controls engineers.

If you're passionate about technical excellence, developing people, solving complex engineering challenges, and building something that lasts, we'd like to hear from you.

Position Summary The Lead Protection & Controls Test Engineer serves as the technical leader for L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing practice. This individual will lead relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance, and field services while helping establish the processes, training programs, and technical standards that support the continued growth of the organization.

Success in this role requires a balance of technical expertise, leadership, and collaboration. In addition to leading client projects, you'll mentor junior engineers, contribute to business development efforts, support continuous improvement initiatives, and help position L.L. Blue Engineering as a trusted provider of Protection & Controls testing and commissioning services.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the practice while working directly with executive leadership to build a scalable, high-performing engineering organization.

Why This Opportunity Is Different Most Protection & Controls testing positions involve maintaining an established program.

This opportunity is different. You'll play a key role in building an entire testing practice from the ground up.

You'll help establish a dedicated Protection & Controls testing laboratory, develop engineering standards, create technical training programs, mentor engineers, and influence the long-term strategy of a growing engineering firm.

If you're looking for a position where your experience will shape an organization rather than simply support one, this is that opportunity.

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Field Execution

• Lead testing, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and startup of transmission and distribution substations and associated Protection & Controls equipment.
• Perform relay calibration, functional testing, equipment checkout, SCADA verification, communications testing, and system startup activities.
• Verify relay settings, current and voltage inputs, protective schemes, metering, alarms, controls, communications, and remote SCADA functionality.
• Diagnose and resolve complex protection, control, automation, and communications issues while maintaining the highest standards for quality and safety.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in accordance with client requirements.
• Coordinate testing activities with clients, contractors, project managers, and engineering teams.

Build the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

• Help establish and expand L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing laboratory.
• Assist with equipment selection and implementation, including OMICRON test equipment, relay platforms, RTACs, communications equipment, and simulation environments.
• Develop standardized testing procedures, quality documentation, templates, and engineering best practices.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and testing methodologies to improve service capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Support the long-term growth strategy for the Protection & Controls testing practice.

Engineer Development & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior engineers through structured field training, laboratory exercises, and hands-on technical development.
• Develop technical training curriculum, certification pathways, and competency standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing.
• Help build a repeatable engineering development program that prepares future technical leaders.

Client & Business Development Support

• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility, industrial, and infrastructure clients.
• Participate in proposal development, technical presentations, project planning, and client meetings.
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities to expand existing client relationships and technical service offerings.
• Represent L.L. Blue Engineering with professionalism while maintaining a strong commitment to technical excellence and customer satisfaction.

What Success Looks Like During your first 12 to 18 months, success includes:

• Helping launch a fully functional Protection & Controls testing laboratory.
• Developing standardized testing procedures and quality documentation.
• Mentoring junior engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities.
• Successfully delivering complex Protection & Controls testing projects.
• Supporting business development initiatives that expand the testing practice.
• Helping establish L.L. Blue Engineering as a trusted provider of Protection & Controls testing and commissioning services throughout the Southeast.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET), or a related engineering discipline required. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in substation protection and control testing, commissioning, relay calibration, equipment checkout, troubleshooting, and maintenance within utility, industrial, or energy environments.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
• • Substation Protection & Control Engineering and Design
  • Substation Construction and Commissioning
  • SCADA, Fault Data Recording, Sequence of Events (SER), Automation Systems, or RTAC installation, integration, and testing
• Proven experience leading field testing activities while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Previous experience mentoring, training, or developing engineers and technicians is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting project planning, scheduling, and execution while coordinating with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Technical Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of three-phase power systems, fault analysis, and utility protection philosophies.
• Thorough understanding of transmission and distribution protection schemes, relay coordination, and substation control systems.
• Experience with microprocessor-based protective relays including SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or comparable platforms.
• Proficiency using OMICRON Test Universe or equivalent relay testing software and associated test equipment.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, RTACs, communications networks, and IEC 61850 substation communications.
• General understanding of Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control System (ICS) cybersecurity principles as they apply to electric utility infrastructure.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex protection and control system issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, and validate one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, elementary drawings, schematics, and protection logic.
• Proficiency with relay testing equipment, electrical test instruments, and technical documentation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple testing activities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
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