Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I- 4P/670

Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) ILocation: Birmingham, AL Contract Duration: 18+ Months Client: Alabama PowerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a motivated Test Engineer – Protection & Control (P&C) I to join the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services – Substation Integration & Automation (SIA) team within a utility and power environment.This role is responsible for supporting the commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and integration of substation automation, SCADA, relay protection, and control systems. The position is primarily field-based and involves working directly within substations and industrial electrical environments.The ideal candidate will possess strong technical aptitude, foundational power systems knowledge, and a willingness to learn and grow within the utility protection and controls field.Key ResponsibilitiesProtection & Control TestingPerform commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of substation integration systems, SCADA equipment, relay protection and control systems, and automation and communication devices.Assist with functional testing and validation of substation control schemes.Substation Integration & AutomationSupport installation and integration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), microprocessor-based relays, RTUs and SCADA systems, and communication equipment.Configure and verify serial and Ethernet communications.Field Operations & Project ExecutionExecute field assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule.Support project planning and field coordination activities.Travel to substations and field locations as required.Maintain compliance with utility safety standards and work procedures.Power System Analysis & TroubleshootingPerform power system measurements, 3-phase calculations, AC/DC electrical testing.Troubleshoot relay, control, and communication system issues.Utilize test equipment and hand tools in energized electrical environments.Documentation & ReportingMaintain testing records and commissioning documentation.Support development of test reports and field notes.Utilize spreadsheets and productivity tools for project tracking and reporting.Team CollaborationWork closely with engineers, technicians, operations personnel, and project teams.Participate as an active team member in field service activities.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.Experience0–5 years of related experience in Protection & Control, Substation Engineering, SCADA Systems, Industrial Controls, Power Systems. Entry-level candidates with relevant internships or co-op experience are encouraged to apply.Desired Technical QualificationsExperience or training in substation SCADA systems, microprocessor-based relays / IED technology, serial and Ethernet communications, industrial control systems (PLCs), relay protection and control equipment, generation or industrial plant controls, AC & DC electrical systems.Technical KnowledgeUnderstanding of control schemes, SCADA operations, 3-phase power calculations, electrical measurements, communication protocols and software.Tools & EquipmentAbility to use multimeters, hand tools, laptops and engineering software, spreadsheet and productivity applications.Desired Skills & AbilitiesStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.Ability to work safely in substations and industrial environments.Strong teamwork and communication abilities.Ability to learn quickly in a hands-on field environment.Willingness to travel and work at field locations as needed.Preferred QualificationsInternship or co-op experience within utilities, power generation, transmission & distribution, industrial electrical systems.Exposure to SEL, GE, ABB, or Schweitzer relay platforms, SCADA communication systems, networked substation environments.Work EnvironmentPrimarily field-based role supporting substations and utility infrastructure.Combination of field testing, commissioning activities, equipment troubleshooting, technical reporting.