Application Guide

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

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to delivering sustainable legacies through innovative solutions. Their Energy Business Line focuses on power delivery, renewables, and next-generation energy, making them a leader in the transition to clean energy. Working at AECOM offers the opportunity to impact large-scale, meaningful projects while enjoying remote flexibility.

About This Role

As a Protection and Controls Engineer, you will design and oversee protection systems for high-voltage substations and transmission lines, ensuring grid reliability and safety. This role is critical to AECOM's power delivery projects, including renewable energy interconnections and EV charging networks. Your work directly supports the modernization and resilience of the U.S. energy infrastructure.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start your day with a virtual team stand-up to review project milestones, then dive into relay setting calculations using ASPEN or CAPE. Afternoons might involve a client call to discuss protection scheme design for a new substation, followed by reviewing test reports from a field engineer. You'll end the day updating project documentation in a shared cloud platform.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of experience in protection and controls engineering for substations (transmission or distribution), with hands-on knowledge of relay settings, SCADA integration, and testing.
  • Proficient in industry software like ASPEN, CAPE, or SEL relays, and familiar with NERC/FERC standards and grid interconnection requirements.
  • Holds a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (PE license preferred) and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills for complex protection schemes.
  • Thrives in a remote, collaborative environment, communicates effectively with cross-functional teams and clients, and is proactive in learning new technologies like microgrids or BESS.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific protection and controls projects, especially those involving substations, transmission lines, or renewable interconnections, using metrics (e.g., voltage levels, relay types).

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with AECOM's recent projects (e.g., offshore wind or EV infrastructure) to show you've researched their work.

3

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience working independently and using collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, BIM 360) in previous remote positions.

4

Obtain or highlight any NERC certification or PE license, as these are highly valued for power delivery roles.

5

Prepare a portfolio or case study of a protection scheme you designed, including challenges and solutions, to discuss during the interview.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your expertise in protection and controls for high-voltage substations and how it aligns with AECOM's power delivery projects.", 'Your ability to work remotely while maintaining strong communication with teams and clients.', 'Passion for sustainable energy and experience with renewables or grid modernization.', 'Understanding of NERC/FERC standards and commitment to safety and reliability.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent press releases on power delivery projects, especially renewable energy and microgrid initiatives.
  • → Understand AECOM's Engineering Center of Excellence model and how it supports project delivery.
  • → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's sustainability goals and how they integrate into energy projects.
  • → Check the company's culture on remote work through employee reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn.

💬 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 transmission substation; what were the key challenges and how did you ensure reliability?
2 How do you stay current with evolving relay technologies and grid standards?
3 Walk me through your process for coordinating protection settings with SCADA and communication systems.
4 Tell me about a project where you had to collaborate remotely with a team; how did you manage communication and deliverables?
5 Explain how you would approach a generator interconnection study for a solar farm, including protection requirements.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate specific protection and controls experience; avoid vague descriptions like 'worked on electrical systems'.
  • Not showing awareness of remote work challenges; don't claim you can work remotely without examples of self-discipline.
  • Ignoring the importance of standards; never downplay knowledge of NERC, IEEE, or utility-specific requirements.

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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