Application Guide

How to Apply for Protection and Controls Engineer (P.E.) - Substations - Remote (U.S.)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering sustainable legacies through innovative solutions. With a focus on grid modernization and clean energy, the company offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape the future of energy. AECOM’s remote-friendly culture and emphasis on professional growth make it an attractive employer for engineers seeking flexibility and purpose.

About This Role

As a Protection and Controls Engineer, you will design and oversee protection schemes for substations and transmission systems, ensuring grid reliability and safety. Your work will directly support AECOM’s Energy Business Line in modernizing the U.S. power grid, including integration of renewables and advanced technologies. This role offers the chance to apply your expertise across diverse projects, from substations to microgrids, while collaborating with a national team of experts.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual team stand-up to align on project priorities, followed by designing relay settings for a 138kV substation using ASPEN software. You’d review short-circuit studies, coordinate with the physical design team, and attend a client call to discuss protection scheme updates. After lunch, you might troubleshoot a relay coordination issue remotely and document your designs for QA/QC review.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) with deep experience in protection and controls design for high-voltage substations (69kV and above).
  • Proficient in relay coordination, short-circuit studies, and familiarity with industry standards (IEEE, NERC, NEC).
  • Strong communicator who can work independently in a remote setting and collaborate effectively with project teams and clients.
  • Proactive problem-solver with a passion for grid modernization and renewable energy integration.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific P&C design projects, including voltage levels, relay types (e.g., SEL, GE), and software used (e.g., ASPEN, CAPE).

2

In your cover letter, mention your P.E. license and any experience with NERC PRC standards or utility-grade protection schemes.

3

Demonstrate remote work readiness by citing examples of self-managed projects or virtual collaboration tools you’ve used.

4

Research AECOM’s recent energy projects (e.g., solar, BESS, microgrids) and reference how your skills align with their portfolio.

5

Include a portfolio or case study of a challenging P&C design you solved, emphasizing safety and reliability improvements.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your P.E. license and specific protection engineering experience for substations and transmission systems.', 'Familiarity with grid modernization concepts, such as renewable integration, microgrids, or EV charging infrastructure.', 'Ability to work autonomously in a remote environment while maintaining strong team collaboration.', 'Interest in AECOM’s mission to build sustainable legacies and your desire to contribute to their Energy Center of Excellence.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM’s Energy business page and recent press releases about grid modernization projects.
  • → Explore their sustainability report and commitments to net-zero infrastructure.
  • → Familiarize yourself with their organizational structure, especially the Engineering Center of Excellence.
  • → Look up their remote work policies and employee testimonials on platforms like Glassdoor.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed a protection scheme for a complex substation; what challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?
2 How do you stay current with evolving NERC standards and apply them in your designs?
3 Walk us through your process for coordinating relay settings in a multi-source network.
4 How do you manage communication and deliverables when working remotely with a distributed team?
5 What experience do you have with renewable energy projects (e.g., solar, BESS) and their unique protection requirements?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to highlight your P.E. license or assuming it’s optional (it’s required).
  • Submitting a generic resume that doesn’t emphasize protection and controls experience for substations.
  • Neglecting to address remote work capabilities or showing reluctance to work independently.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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