Lead Electrical Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of protective relaying and controls systems for distribution and high voltage substations. As a Lead Protection & Control Engineer you will primarily review the work of others. That work will typically consist primarily of protection and control schematics and wiring drawings for a wide range of substation modifications and upgrades to support client requirements.
- You will be responsible for reviewing protective relaying philosophies, including selection of relay, control, and communications equipment, SCADA and telecommunication concepts and configurations, and I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of substation protection and control issues.
- You will perform review of the designs prepared by others for single line diagrams, substation relaying & metering diagrams (i.e. A.C. schematic diagrams), and D.C. schematic diagrams.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others.
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy’s systems of processes 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 project 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 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.
- Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- PE license.
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
Mastery of protective relay equipment is critical for a Lead Electrical Engineer 2 in Cary, NC, as it ensures accurate design and troubleshooting of substation protection systems. This expertise directly enhances reliability in power distribution, which is vital given the region's infrastructure demands and evolving grid technologies.
Substation upgrades in Cary require navigating local grid regulations and integrating advanced communication protocols. Engineers must adapt designs to meet North Carolina's utility standards, manage field verification amid hybrid work setups, and troubleshoot protection system complexities influenced by regional power distribution characteristics.
Obtaining IEEE or NESC certifications can significantly bolster a Lead Electrical Engineer 2's profile at Sargent & Lundy by validating expertise in power system standards. These credentials enhance credibility in protection and control design, aligning well with the company's emphasis on technical excellence and client trust.
At Sargent & Lundy, a Lead Electrical Engineer 2 guides junior engineers through complex protection and control projects, fostering skill development and adherence to industry standards. This mentorship strengthens team capabilities and supports a collaborative culture crucial for high-voltage substation modernization in Cary.
Cary, NC, is experiencing growing demand for electrical power systems engineers driven by regional grid modernization and renewable integration. While competition exists, local industry growth coupled with Sargent & Lundy's strong presence creates promising opportunities relative to more saturated metropolitan areas.
Yes, engineers in Cary must adhere to North Carolina's adoption of NEC, NESC, and state-specific utility codes. These regulations shape protective relay configurations and communication system designs, ensuring grid safety and compliance during substation modifications overseen by lead engineers.
Sargent & Lundy's Lead Electrical Engineer 2 role uniquely blends hands-on protective relaying expertise with leadership in peer-review and mentoring. The hybrid work model and emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration set it apart, offering a balanced environment focused on innovation in high-voltage substation projects.
The company fosters growth through structured peer-learning communities and encourages knowledge sharing among seasoned engineers. This approach, combined with exposure to diverse projects and mentoring roles, accelerates skill development and leadership readiness in grid protection disciplines.
Lead Electrical Engineers 2 at Sargent & Lundy in Cary, NC, typically earn between $131,960 and $205,330 annually. This range reflects the role's seniority, technical demands in high-voltage substation design, and competitive compensation aligned with regional market standards.
The hybrid model allows engineers to balance three days onsite for direct collaboration and field coordination, with two remote days for focused design and review tasks. This flexibility enhances productivity while maintaining strong team connections essential for complex grid engineering projects.