Lead Protection Relay Testing & Commissioning Engineer

Build a Practice. Develop Engineers. Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure.

L.L. Blue Engineering is seeking an experienced Lead Protection Relay Test & Commissioning Engineer to establish and grow our Protection & Controls Testing Practice.

This is more than a senior testing role. This position will work directly with the Managing Principal to build the technical capabilities, testing laboratory, standards, procedures, and engineer development programs that will support the long-term growth of our Protection & Controls services.

The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on utility relay testing and commissioning experience with the leadership ability to develop engineers, solve complex power system challenges, and build a high-performing technical practice.

Required Utility Protection & Controls Experience

Applicants must have direct experience performing:

• Protection relay testing and commissioning
• Transmission and distribution substation testing
• Relay functional testing, startup, and troubleshooting
• OMICRON relay testing
• SCADA and RTAC testing
• Power system troubleshooting and fault analysis

This is not a software development, IT, network engineering, cybersecurity, systems engineering, automation engineering, or PLC programming position.

Direct utility Protection & Controls relay testing and commissioning experience is strongly preferred and will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET), or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum 12 years of utility Protection & Controls testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance experience
• Hands-on experience with microprocessor-based protective relays including SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Proficiency using OMICRON Test Universe or equivalent relay testing software and equipment
• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, protection schematics, wiring diagrams, and elementary drawings
• Ability to travel to substations, generating facilities, industrial locations, and client sites as required
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with substation protection and control engineering and design
• Experience with substation construction and commissioning
• Experience with SCADA systems, RTACs, automation systems, and IEC 61850 communications
• Previous experience mentoring engineers and technicians

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Field Execution

• Lead testing, commissioning, startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities for transmission and distribution substations and Protection & Controls equipment
• Perform and oversee relay calibration, functional testing, equipment checkout, SCADA verification, communications testing, and system startup
• Verify relay settings, protective schemes, metering, alarms, controls, communications, and remote SCADA functionality
• Diagnose and resolve complex protection, control, automation, and communications issues
• Coordinate field testing activities with clients, contractors, project managers, and engineering teams
• Ensure testing and commissioning work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project and quality requirements

Build the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

• Lead the establishment and expansion of L.L. Blue Engineering's Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Implement OMICRON test equipment, relay platforms, RTACs, communications equipment, and simulation environments
• Establish standardized testing procedures, templates, quality documentation, and engineering best practices
• Evaluate technologies and testing methodologies that improve technical capabilities, quality, and operational efficiency
• Help define the technical direction and long-term growth of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice

Engineer Development & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior engineers through field assignments, laboratory exercises, and technical development activities
• Establish technical training programs, certification pathways, and competency standards
• Develop engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, safety, and technical excellence

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
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and Protection & Controls service offerings
• Represent L.L. Blue Engineering with professionalism and technical excellence

What Success Looks Like

During the first 12 to 18 months, success in this role includes:

• Launching a fully functional Protection & Controls testing laboratory
• Establishing standardized testing procedures and quality documentation
• Successfully leading complex relay testing and commissioning projects
• Developing engineers toward independent testing and commissioning responsibilities
• Expanding the technical capabilities of the Protection & Controls Testing Practice
• Supporting growth of Protection & Controls testing services throughout the Southeast
• Helping establish L.L. Blue Engineering as a trusted provider of relay testing and commissioning services

Benefits

L.L. Blue Engineering offers:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Company-supported certifications and technical training
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing engineering organization
• Direct opportunity to build and lead a growing technical practice

Why Join L.L. Blue Engineering?

Most Protection & Controls testing positions focus on maintaining an established program.

This opportunity is different.

You will have the opportunity to build a testing practice from the ground up, establish a dedicated testing laboratory, develop engineers, influence technical standards, and work directly with executive leadership to shape the future of a growing engineering firm.

If you are looking for a leadership opportunity where your technical expertise and vision can have a lasting impact, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.