Lead Protection Relay Testing & Commissioning 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.
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 ResponsibilitiesTechnical 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.

Work arrangement
Yes