Protection & Control Commissioning Engineer

About the role

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
• Job ID: R0117458
• Date Posted: 2026-02-09
• Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY USA INC
• Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Remote: No

The Opportunity

The P&C Commissioning Engineer is responsible for on-site testing and commissioning of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and associated protection and control systems for electrical substations. This role involves installation supervision, testing, and commissioning of advanced digital systems, ensuring compliance with standards, safety, and project timelines. The P&C Field Engineer collaborates with project managers, customers, and technical teams to deliver reliable and high-quality solutions.

How you'll make an impact: Commissioning & Testing

• Perform functional and acceptance testing of IEDs (protection relays, bay controllers, merging units) according to IEC 61850 standards.
• Configure and validate relay settings, logic, and communication parameters.
• Conduct GOOSE messaging and MMS verification for interoperability.
• Execute end-to-end testing of protection schemes using OMICRON CMC or equivalent tools.
• Validate time synchronization (SNTP/PTP) and redundancy schemes for IED networks.
• Document all IED test results and maintain compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Integration & Configuration

• I ntegrate IEDs with MicroSCADA systems: Perform signal mapping, database configuration, and HMI validation to ensure accurate visualization and control.
• IEC 61850 Engineering: Validate Substation Configuration Language (SCL) files, including ICD, CID, and SCD, and ensure proper GOOSE and MMS communication between devices.
• Communication Protocols: Verify and troubleshoot interoperability for Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850 protocols across multi-vendor environments.
• Network Configuration: Set up and test Ethernet switches, VLANs, and redundancy schemes (PRP/HSR) for substation automation networks.
• Cybersecurity Compliance: Implement and verify secure access, password policies, and firewall settings in accordance with Hitachi Energy standards.
• System Performance Validation: Conduct end-to-end testing of SCADA integration, including alarms, events, and control commands, ensuring seamless operation between IEDs and MicroSCADA.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare commissioning reports, detailed test records, and as-built documentation for customer approval and internal archives.
• Maintain accurate logs of system configurations, parameter changes, and firmware updates for all IEDs and associated equipment.
• Ensure documentation complies with Hitachi Energy standards, IEC 61850 engineering guidelines, and project-specific requirements.
• Provide clear and organized records to support operational learning and future maintenance activities.
• Identify and document any non-conformances during installation, testing, or commissioning activities.
• Prepare Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) detailing the issue, root cause, and corrective actions.
• Communicate NCRs promptly to project managers and quality teams for resolution.
• Track and verify implementation of corrective actions before project close-out.
• Ensure NCR documentation aligns with Hitachi Energy quality management processes and customer requirements.

Customer & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and customers during commissioning phases.
• Provide technical support and training to customers and site personnel.
• Participate in meetings to discuss commissioning progress and resolve issues.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with company HSE policies and site safety requirements.
• Promote a culture of safety and integrity during on-site work.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in field testing and commissioning of protection and control systems.

Expertise in IED testing and configuration from major manufacturers

• Strong knowledge of Hitachi ABB: REC670, REL670, REF615, RET670, and MicroSCADA integration.
• Experience with Siemens: SIPROTEC series (e.g., 5 series relays), DIGSI configuration tools.
• SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories): SEL-351, SEL-421, SEL-751, and AcSELerator software.
• Hands-on experience with advanced test equipment (OMICRON CMC, DOBLE) for secondary injection and end-to-end testing.
• Familiarity with SCADA integration, communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850), and Ethernet network configuration (PRP/HSR).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel extensively within the assigned zone.
• Professional Engineering license or PMP certification preferred.