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 focused on building sustainable legacies through innovative solutions in energy, transportation, and environmental projects. Their Energy Business Line specifically works on cutting-edge grid modernization programs, making them a leader in next-generation energy systems like hydrogen, fuel cells, and renewable integration. Working here means contributing to large-scale, impactful projects that shape the future of energy infrastructure across the United States.

About This Role

This Protection and Controls Engineer role involves designing and implementing electrical protection systems for substations within AECOM's Grid Modernization initiatives. You'll work on diverse projects including transmission systems, renewable energy integration (solar, wind, BESS), and next-generation energy technologies, directly supporting the transition to modern, resilient power grids. The position offers remote flexibility while being part of a specialized Engineering Center of Excellence team.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating remotely with project teams on substation protection designs, developing relay settings and control schematics for grid modernization projects, and coordinating with clients on technical requirements. You might review protection studies for renewable energy interconnections, participate in virtual design meetings for transmission system upgrades, and contribute to proposals for new energy sector projects while ensuring all work meets current industry standards.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license with 5+ years of hands-on experience in protection and controls design for electrical substations
  • Demonstrated experience with grid modernization technologies such as battery storage systems, renewable interconnections, or microgrid design
  • Proven ability to work in team environments on complex electrical engineering projects while communicating effectively with clients and project stakeholders
  • Background in transmission systems (OH/UG), distribution systems, or generator interconnections with specific protection scheme expertise

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific grid modernization projects you've worked on - particularly substation protection schemes for renewable integration or battery storage systems

2

Emphasize your P.E. license status prominently in your resume header and throughout your application materials

3

Demonstrate how you've contributed to business development or client relationship maintenance in previous roles, as this role involves promoting skills to new clients

4

Include specific software/tools you've used for protection and controls design (like ASPEN, ETAP, or similar relay coordination software)

5

Tailor your experience to show alignment with AECOM's diverse energy sectors - mention work in transmission, distribution, renewables, AND next-generation energy if possible

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with substation protection and controls design, including relay settings, SCADA systems, and control schematics', "Examples of successful grid modernization projects you've contributed to, particularly those involving renewable energy integration", "How you've maintained client relationships or contributed to business development in previous engineering roles", 'Your ability to work effectively in remote team environments while managing multiple projects simultaneously']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's specific Grid Modernization programs and recent projects in the Energy Business Line
  • → Their work in next-generation energy technologies (hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolyzers) mentioned in the job description
  • → AECOM's Engineering Center of Excellence structure and how protection engineering fits within it
  • → Recent AECOM energy sector awards, publications, or thought leadership in electrical engineering

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience designing protection schemes for a specific substation project involving renewable generation
2 How do you approach relay coordination for complex transmission systems with multiple protection zones?
3 Describe your experience working with clients on grid modernization projects and how you ensure their requirements are met
4 What's your experience with next-generation energy technologies like hydrogen systems or advanced battery storage protection?
5 How do you stay current with evolving IEEE standards and NERC requirements for protection and controls?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without clearly highlighting your P.E. license status and specific substation protection experience
  • Using generic electrical engineering descriptions instead of specific protection and controls terminology and project examples
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of grid modernization trends or how protection engineering evolves with renewable integration

📅 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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