IEC 61850 Systems Engineer – Digital Substations – Remote

Location

Remote (Candidates based in North America – especially California – preferred)

Travel Required

Mostly within North America to support IEC 61850 University initiatives and projects.

Company Profile

Tesco Automation is at the forefront of transforming power grid digitization, partnering with utilities, hyperscale data centers, power system OEMs, and industrial innovators to design and deploy next-generation digital substations built on IEC 61850-based Protection, Automation & Control (PAC) systems. We’re not just implementing solutions, we’re shaping the future of how power is delivered, monitored, and managed.

We’re on the hunt for an IEC 61850 Systems Engineer who is genuinely passionate about digital substations and their game-changing impact on the energy sector. If IEC 61850 is your second language, you thrive in dynamic environments, and you’re eager to join a forward-thinking team shaping the future of power, we want to connect with you.

What You Will Do

As our IEC 61850 Systems Engineer you will be hands-on with the tools and technologies redefining the electric grid through digitization and innovation. Your role will include:

  • Designing, configuring, and deploying IEC 61850-based solutions with a strong focus on vendor-specific tools like PCM (Hitachi/ABB) and DIGSI (Siemens), etc.
  • Working on IEC 61850 system configurations, including SCL data modeling.
  • Provide hands-on support in the commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of substation automation systems, typically within lab-controlled environments.
  • Develop detailed documentation including design specification, drawing packages, I/O lists, and test plans, etc.
  • Leading training workshops with IEC 61850 University, sharing your expertise with engineers and field technicians across the industry.
  • Configuring and setting up real-time simulators and executing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate performance and functionality.
  • Support virtualization technologies (VPAC/VPR) including the design, configuration, and testing of various VPR solutions.
  • Traveling across North America for site visits, training events, and system validation.

Desired Skills

  • Strong understanding of IEC 61850 standards including GOOSE, MMS, and Sampled Values, with real-world project experience.
  • Hands-on experience with IED configuration tools (ABB PCM, Siemens DIGSI, etc.).
  • Familiarity with SCL engineering process (SCD, CID, and ICD files) and system modeling.
  • Experience commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting digital substation systems would be an asset.
  • Strong knowledge of software development experience and on programming would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of real-time simulators and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing setups.
  • Knowledge of virtualized protection & control systems (vPAC, VPR platforms).
  • Comfortable with training delivery and technical presentations.
  • Willingness to travel for project support and training.

Why You’ll Love Working at Tesco Automation

  • Top-tier compensation — we reward excellence and expertise.
  • Work with the latest tech — from process bus systems to virtual PAC platforms.
  • Flexible and forward-thinking culture — innovation and fun go together.
  • Travel opportunities — deliver training and support projects across North America.
  • Collaborate with experts — be part of a passionate team driving real change in the energy sector.

If you’re ready to help lead the energy sector’s digital evolution, we want to hear from you. Send your resume to dtessier@tescoautomation.com and join Tesco Automation in building the substations of tomorrow.