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Data Center Electrical Engineer - Automation

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Careers
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 4/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/10/2026

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Automation Engineer to join our Data Center Engineering team. As an Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for leading projects with focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the data center customers to monitor and control their power system.

Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL ES Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing and commissioning of the project. Projects often include:

  • Communication network equipment

  • Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs.

  • Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client.

  • Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation and restoration.

  • Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software

Experience Level:

  • Minimum of 5 years in power system automation systems

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as technical lead and actively participate in design, execution, development, and support activities across multiple projects.

  • Lead and execute technical projects with a team, manage customer expectations, and deliver high quality project deliverables. Resolve customer concerns and foster customer satisfaction.

  • Ensure project team deliverables are within agreed upon scope, schedule, and budget to a high level of quality and safety.

  • Lead projects that may involve:

  • Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment and solutions

  • Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture and Applications Data Flow)

  • Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area.

  • Create high quality deliverables on projects including:

  • Device settings

  • Automation Design Specifications and drawings

  • Product configurations

  • Factory testing and procedures

  • Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures

  • Service reports

  • Identify, prepare and present successful proposals for SEL equipment, services, and systems.

  • Participate in business development activities, onsite or remote, by presenting SEL products and solutions to data center customers while following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Willing to travel at least 25% of the time.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Have a B.S. degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline

  • Have knowledge of power system protection principles, relay protection, control and automation schemes.

  • Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations

  • Ability to understand electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials

  • Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP3, Modbus, C37.118 etc.)

  • Experience with server/client SCADA applications

  • Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications using Ignition, Zenon, etc.

Why Join Us?

  • Work on cutting-edge power system protection solutions that drive the future of data centers.

  • Be part of a collaborative, innovative team dedicated to mission-critical electrical infrastructure.

  • Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

  • We are 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

Focus Area

  • Automation = software, integration and automation, industrial controls, PLCs, industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus), Ethernet systems, protocol analyzers, and industry SCADA practices.

Location: Open to multiple US Locations: Phoenix, AZ; Irvine or Vacaville, CA; Alpharetta, GA; West Lafayette, IN; Plymouth, MI; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

Project Engineer II $115,290 - $170,349 per year. We are open to reviewing candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

Salary : $115,290 - $170,349

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