Lead Electrical Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Houston, TX, 77024
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Description
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of protective relaying and controls systems for HV and EHV substations. As a Project Lead of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of substation modifications and upgrades to support client requirements and reviews including creating calculations, document designs, and specifications.
- You will be responsible for preparing relaying philosophies, including selecting relay, control, and communications equipment, developing SCADA and telecommunication concepts and configurations, and overseeing the preparation of I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
- As a Project Lead Electrical Engineer, you will be responsible for guiding junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of the engineering work.
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of engineering issues.
- You will perform analysis and design of single line diagrams, substation relaying & metering diagrams (i.e. A.C. schematic diagrams), and D.C. Schematic diagrams.
- Prepare engineering studies for client and peer review.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
- Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSEE with a power systems or controls emphasis from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- 12 or more years of experience with a focus on protection / control / telecommunications for high voltage substations; including design, installation, and coordination.
- PE license.
- Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for relay calculations.
- Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Proficiency with any of the following programs: SKM, ETAP, ASPEN, CDEGS, or vendor software.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards, such as NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI.
- Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection, including SEL, ABB, GE, Areva, and Basler.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Prior experience is desirable to include in-line, bus and equipment protection, breaker, transformer and similar equipment control, RTU and data concentrator based SCADA systems, telemetering and communications (fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.).
- AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
- Construction and start-up experience.
- Testing or commissioning experience.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$131,960.00 - $205,330.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Lead Electrical Engineer
Frequently asked questions
An Electrical Engineer 2 - Grid in Houston must master protective relaying and control systems for HV/EHV substations, alongside proficiency with industry-standard software like SKM and ETAP. Skills in substation upgrades and telecommunication concepts are crucial, given Houston’s dynamic energy infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards.
This senior position advances by managing complex substation design challenges, mentoring engineers, and leading coordination between clients and vendors. Career growth often involves deepening expertise in relay coordination, SCADA systems, and expanding leadership in multi-disciplinary project teams within the power distribution domain.
Besides the PE license, familiarity with Texas-specific codes such as NESC and compliance with ERCOT grid standards enhance job prospects. Houston employers value engineers versed in IEEE, ANSI, and NEC standards, especially those integrating fiber optics and power line carrier communications into substations.
Managing high-voltage environments requires addressing legacy equipment compatibility, coordinating with local utility providers, and ensuring designs meet Houston’s climate and regulatory demands. Travel to client sites for construction verification and troubleshooting unexpected field conditions are common hurdles in this role.
Houston’s booming energy sector drives strong demand for grid-focused engineers, but competition remains tight among candidates with over a decade of protection/control expertise and PE licensure. Networking within local industry groups and demonstrating proficiency in vendor relay equipment can significantly improve hiring chances.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work flexibility, award-winning benefits, and a collaborative culture promoting peer-learning through 'communities of practice.' This role stands out by combining technical leadership in protection relaying with opportunities for mentoring and cross-disciplinary project involvement.
The company offers structured knowledge-sharing platforms, merit scholarships, and licensure bonuses, fostering continuous advancement. Engineers benefit from exposure to diverse substation projects and leadership in design coordination, enhancing both technical acumen and managerial capabilities.
Compensation spans approximately $131,960 to $205,330 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required. This range aligns with Houston’s market rates for experienced power systems engineers proficient in substation protection and control design.
Houston’s sprawling metro area and traffic congestion make hybrid schedules appealing, allowing engineers to balance in-office collaboration three days weekly with remote design work. This flexibility helps mitigate long commutes while maintaining essential on-site coordination.
Daily tasks include developing protective relay philosophies, reviewing schematic diagrams, leading design teams, and liaising with clients and vendors. The role also involves troubleshooting system issues, preparing engineering studies, and ensuring compliance with electrical standards critical to Houston’s power grid.