Protection and Controls Engineer at AECOM in Chicago, IL

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM has a position opening for a Protection and Controls Engineer to support our growing Energy Business Line’s Engineering Center of Excellence in our Grid Modernization programs, projects and pursuits.

This role can be remote located in the U.S. or hybrid out of any of our AECOM U.S. offices.

Our team provides a wide range of electrical engineering services across markets sectors including transmission (substations, OH/UG transmission systems, generator interconnections, interconnection strategy), power distribution (OH/UG power systems, substations, EV charging networks, microgrid design, etc.), renewables (Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Wind), and next generation energy (hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolyzers, etc.). We are looking for a talented engineer with a protection and controls background to promote our skills to new clients and maintain our existing client base.

The successful candidate will have an understanding and experience in electrical engineering design and technology principles. She/he will be expected to work successfully within a team environment and be able to communicate effectively with other project team members and customers. He/she will have a high level of initiative, motivation, and displays drive, energy and enthusiasm for getting things done with an excellent attention to detail.

The responsibilities of this role also include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Responsible for the electrical engineering design work on assigned projects
• Provide mentorship for the other electrical engineers in our High Voltage/Power team
• Working with Project Engineer and Project Manager on developing design schedules and budgets for electrical engineering work activities
• Performing Power system studies and system protection settings coordination on various project
• Generate basis of design documentation for protection settings and relay configurations
• Supporting projects during construction, start-up, and commissioning
• Reviewing engineering work performed by peers
• Attending client meetings
• Occasional travel to client and/or project sites (including data gathering and field walks)
• Mentor early career engineers and facilitate internal training sessions, if requested

Level specific responsibilities:

• Serves as lead engineer on projects of all sizes
• Senior technical resource may serve as technical advisor for team
• Provides specialized technical input to studies and design for staff's specific area of expertise.
• Develops study and design procedures to facilitate high quality cost effective work by others.
• Participates in interdisciplinary review of project deliverables.
• Develops construction cost estimates and estimates of technical efforts for projects.
• Uses expertise in all steps of completing discipline component of PS&E package.
• Performs quality control review of design calculations or drawings.
• Prepares technical specification sections.
• Provides input to the development of engineering budget and schedule to meet requirements.

DCS—Energy
AECOM’s Energy practice provides a wide range of services from consulting and engineering design to energy engineering, energy procurement and construction (EPC) for power, energy efficiency, and renewable energy clients. Our understanding of the big picture – and the interconnection between generation, distribution, storage, and the demand side of the meter – allows us to deliver holistic strategies that improve and modernize next generation energy infrastructure. We connect knowledge and experience across our global framework to bring together a unique combination of engineers, planners, scientists, and project managers who advance cleaner, secure, and more sustainable energy solutions.

Qualifications

​​​​Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• 6 years of relevant protection and controls experience in electrical engineering.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering licensure
• 8+ Years of experience with 2+ years as a project lead.
• Knowledge of FERC and NERC requirements
• Experience with IEC61850
• Successful track record working with remote teams
• Experience on full EPC, Design/Build projects from start to finish.
• Plant Startup and Commissioning Field Experience
• Power systems analysis software experience (SKM, EasyPower, Etap).
• Relay coordination utilizing ASPEN OneLiner
• Experience developing native relay setting files
• Distribution automation experience
• Experience working in collaborative 3D model environments (e.g. Navisworks)

Additional Information

THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION NO SOONER THAN MARCH 29, 2027

• Relocation assistance is not available for this role
• Sponsorship for US Employment Authorization is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.