Lead Electrical Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Reading, PA, 19601
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 role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BS from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent experience.
- 12 or more years of experience with a focus on high voltage substations; including design, installation, and coordination.
- Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license.
- 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.
- 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.
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Frequently asked questions
This position involves leadership in designing protective relaying and control systems for HV and EHV substations, requiring expertise in relay selection, SCADA configurations, and mentoring engineers. It blends technical analysis with project management, emphasizing innovation in grid reliability and complex problem-solving.
While a PE license is valued, familiarity with NEC, NESC, IEEE, and ANSI standards strengthens your profile. Vendors’ protective relay expertise (SEL, ABB, GE) and proficiency in tools like SKM or ETAP also enhance competitiveness in Reading’s specialized power systems job market.
Expect to lead design teams on relay philosophies, troubleshoot engineering challenges, conduct detailed schematic reviews, and coordinate with clients and suppliers. The role demands balancing detailed technical design with strategic oversight to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
Reading’s power infrastructure projects have a steady demand for seasoned engineers skilled in substation technologies. The competition favors candidates with 12+ years of specialized experience and demonstrated leadership in protective relaying and grid modernization initiatives.
The role offers a hybrid schedule with three days on-site in Reading and two remote days, balancing local commute demands with flexibility. Reading’s accessible transport and hybrid work culture support a productive work-life balance for engineers.
The company fosters growth by encouraging experienced engineers to mentor juniors through collaborative communities of practice. This approach nurtures knowledge-sharing while enhancing leadership skills critical for managing complex grid engineering projects.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive benefits, and award-winning compensation. Their focus on client-driven substation upgrades combined with collaborative team leadership offers a unique environment for advancing power systems engineering careers.
Salary ranges from $131,960 to $205,330, reflecting extensive experience in HV substation engineering. Benefits include healthcare plans, 401(k), paid leave, tuition assistance, and flexible work arrangements, positioning this role among top-tier power systems engineering jobs in the region.
Expertise with SKM, ETAP, Aspen, CDEGS, and vendor-specific relay software is highly advantageous. Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation also supports efficient substation design and documentation, aligning with the technical demands of this role.