What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Controls Engineer – Critical Power -- Switchgear & Power Systems position at JDC Power Systems, LLC?
JDC Power Systems is seeking a highly experienced Senior Switchgear Engineer for our Hackettstown, NJ office. This role is critical to the design, application, and execution of low- and medium-voltage switchgear systems for mission-critical power applications.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical authority on switchgear systems, supporting design, manufacturing, and field execution. This includes ownership of complex switchgear lineups, transfer schemes, and system-level integration across electrical, controls, and mechanical disciplines.
This position requires deep experience in switchgear design, commissioning, and real-world system behavior, as well as the ability to lead technical decision-making and support high-visibility projects.
Responsibilities And Duties
Lead design and application of low- and medium-voltage switchgear systems (480V to 38kV)
Develop and review one-line diagrams, system architectures, and equipment layouts
Define and validate bus configurations, breaker schemes, and transfer systems
Configure and program protective relay logic and verify functionality
Support and guide the development of control schemes and PLC-based transfer logic
Review and approve mechanical and electrical designs for switchgear lineups
Serve as technical lead during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site
Acceptance Testing (SAT)
Lead or support commissioning activities, including system validation and troubleshooting
Review customer specifications and ensure compliance with design intent and standards
Provide technical support to manufacturing, field service, and project teams
Act as a subject matter expert for switchgear performance, reliability, and failure modes
Assist in the development of standards, best practices, and internal engineering guidelines
Support customer interactions, including design reviews and technical discussions
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience
7 years of experience in switchgear design, application engineering, or commissioning
Strong background in critical power systems, data centers, or industrial power distribution
Demonstrated experience with complex switchgear systems, transfer schemes, and high-reliability applications
Experience supporting projects through design, manufacturing, testing, and field commissioning
Required Skills
Deep expertise in low- and medium-voltage switchgear systems and architectures
Strong understanding of bus bar systems, breaker coordination, and protection schemes
Experience with PLC-controlled transfer schemes and system automation concepts
In-depth knowledge of protective studies
Strong foundation of protection relays and short circuit coordination studies
Ability to read, develop, and review one-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment layouts
Strong troubleshooting skills with real-world power systems
Ability to lead technical discussions and make sound engineering decisions
Strong communication and leadership skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects
Ability to pass background checks and comply with drug-free workplace policies
Preferred Skills
Experience with data center power systems and redundant architectures
Familiarity with protection relays, power meters, and system monitoring
Experience with commissioning methodologies, power quality analysis, and infrared inspections
Exposure to PLC and SCADA systems (design or support level)
Familiarity with IEEE, NEC, and industry standards for switchgear
An understanding of UL compliance and how it is applied
Previous experience with leading teams and managing deadlines
Location
Hackettstown, NJ
Travel Requirements
Approximately 10-25% travel is required
Travel to customer sites and manufacturer locations may increase with seniority
Weekend and off-hours work required when supporting testing or commissioning
Provide on-call technical support when needed
Out-of-area extended travel arrangements provided by JDC
Expenses related to travel and meals while traveling are covered at cost
JDC Power Systems, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where all employment decisions are made on an individual basis without regard to characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.
JDC Power Systems, LLC believes that supporting a respectful and inclusive workplace is critical to our success. JDC Power Systems, LLC is committed to making our application process accessible to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request as required.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical authority on switchgear systems, supporting design, manufacturing, and field execution. This includes ownership of complex switchgear lineups, transfer schemes, and system-level integration across electrical, controls, and mechanical disciplines.
This position requires deep experience in switchgear design, commissioning, and real-world system behavior, as well as the ability to lead technical decision-making and support high-visibility projects.
Responsibilities And Duties
Lead design and application of low- and medium-voltage switchgear systems (480V to 38kV)
Develop and review one-line diagrams, system architectures, and equipment layouts
Define and validate bus configurations, breaker schemes, and transfer systems
Configure and program protective relay logic and verify functionality
Support and guide the development of control schemes and PLC-based transfer logic
Review and approve mechanical and electrical designs for switchgear lineups
Serve as technical lead during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site
Acceptance Testing (SAT)
Lead or support commissioning activities, including system validation and troubleshooting
Review customer specifications and ensure compliance with design intent and standards
Provide technical support to manufacturing, field service, and project teams
Act as a subject matter expert for switchgear performance, reliability, and failure modes
Assist in the development of standards, best practices, and internal engineering guidelines
Support customer interactions, including design reviews and technical discussions
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience
7 years of experience in switchgear design, application engineering, or commissioning
Strong background in critical power systems, data centers, or industrial power distribution
Demonstrated experience with complex switchgear systems, transfer schemes, and high-reliability applications
Experience supporting projects through design, manufacturing, testing, and field commissioning
Required Skills
Deep expertise in low- and medium-voltage switchgear systems and architectures
Strong understanding of bus bar systems, breaker coordination, and protection schemes
Experience with PLC-controlled transfer schemes and system automation concepts
In-depth knowledge of protective studies
Strong foundation of protection relays and short circuit coordination studies
Ability to read, develop, and review one-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment layouts
Strong troubleshooting skills with real-world power systems
Ability to lead technical discussions and make sound engineering decisions
Strong communication and leadership skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects
Ability to pass background checks and comply with drug-free workplace policies
Preferred Skills
Experience with data center power systems and redundant architectures
Familiarity with protection relays, power meters, and system monitoring
Experience with commissioning methodologies, power quality analysis, and infrared inspections
Exposure to PLC and SCADA systems (design or support level)
Familiarity with IEEE, NEC, and industry standards for switchgear
An understanding of UL compliance and how it is applied
Previous experience with leading teams and managing deadlines
Location
Hackettstown, NJ
Travel Requirements
Approximately 10-25% travel is required
Travel to customer sites and manufacturer locations may increase with seniority
Weekend and off-hours work required when supporting testing or commissioning
Provide on-call technical support when needed
Out-of-area extended travel arrangements provided by JDC
Expenses related to travel and meals while traveling are covered at cost
JDC Power Systems, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where all employment decisions are made on an individual basis without regard to characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.
JDC Power Systems, LLC believes that supporting a respectful and inclusive workplace is critical to our success. JDC Power Systems, LLC is committed to making our application process accessible to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request as required.