Job Title: Protection & Control (P&C) Test Engineer Network Underground SystemsJob DescriptionThe Protection & Control (P&C) Test Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of Network Underground Systems across Georgia, with primary focus on underground distribution networks and substations. This role involves hands-on work with energized equipment in below-grade, enclosed spaces, testing and commissioning protection and control systems, and supporting SCADA-based monitoring. The engineer ensures that electrical protection systems function correctly to safeguard the grid, responds to system emergencies, and works closely with customers and internal teams to maintain high levels of service and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Install, operate, maintain, and repair Network Underground Systems across multiple locations, including Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Athens, Savannah, and Valdosta.
- Work safely on energized equipment up to 600 VAC in enclosed, below-grade spaces, following all safety policies and procedures.
- Write, review, and execute switching orders for medium voltage equipment (4 kV to 25 kV), ensuring safe and accurate circuit switching.
- Utilize hot line tools to perform medium voltage circuit switching and related operations in underground distribution systems.
- Test, commission, and maintain electrical protection and control systems within power substations to ensure proper operation and grid protection.
- Perform routine and scheduled testing and calibration of protective relays, control circuits, and other substation equipment using specialized test equipment.
- Set up, commission, and verify new protection and control systems during construction, upgrades, or modifications of substations and underground networks.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose faults in protection and control systems, identify root causes, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments.
- Interpret test results and analyze data to identify potential issues, trends, or anomalies, and prepare clear reports for engineers and maintenance teams.
- Perform routine maintenance and preventive care on protection and control equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize failures.
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of SCADA system monitoring technologies and sump pump controllers for underground networks.
- Write and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings to support testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
- Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation, respond to system emergencies, and address operational concerns as they arise, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Respond to customer inquiries, including voltage concerns, claims, and service issues, and provide timely, accurate information and solutions.
- Communicate effectively with high-profile customers and internal stakeholders to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Collaborate with engineers, sales teams, corporate partners, and field crews to plan work, resolve issues, and support project and maintenance activities.
- Ensure strict adherence to safety procedures, including lockout/tagout practices, while working in high-voltage and confined-space environments.
- Use MS Office and engineering software to document work, maintain records, prepare reports, and support planning and analysis.
- Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and assignments to meet deadlines and maintain high-quality work output.
- Demonstrate and promote a strong safety culture and adherence to organizational values, including safety, trust, performance, and commitment.
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of electrical power systems, distribution systems, and principles of protective relaying.
- Expertise in using specialized testing equipment such as relay testers, power quality analyzers, and communication test sets.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
- Knowledge of substation automation systems, including SCADA, and familiarity with communication protocols.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving for protection and control systems and related equipment.
- Knowledge of underground construction practices and network underground systems.
- Ability to write and execute switching orders for medium voltage systems (4 kV to 25 kV).
- Capability to work safely on energized equipment up to 600 VAC in enclosed, below-grade spaces.
- Proficiency with MS Office and engineering software for documentation, reporting, and analysis.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and assignments.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for interaction with customers and internal teams.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, engineers, sales teams, corporate partners, and field crews.
- Commitment to safe work practices and adherence to safety policies in high-voltage and confined-space environments.
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently while following through on assignments to completion.
- Valid Georgia drivers license.
- Ability to access below-grade, confined spaces using ladders (25 ft+).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Engineering, with Mechanical or Electrical preferred.
- Associate degree in a technical field such as Electronics, Electrical, Maintenance Technology, or a related discipline is acceptable in lieu of a bachelors degree.
- Familiarity with SCADA, RTU, PLC, DCS, and HMI systems.
- Experience with testing, commissioning, and maintaining protection and control systems in substation environments.
- Experience working with medium voltage distribution systems (4 kV to 25 kV) and underground networks.
- Ability to interpret test data and generate clear, concise reports for engineers and maintenance personnel.
- Experience adhering to strict safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, in high-voltage environments.
- Ability to remain on a 24/7 rotating on-call schedule and respond to emergencies on short notice, including overnight stays, weekends, and holidays.
- Capacity to travel statewide for extended periods, as needed.
- Alignment with organizational values such as Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment.
Work EnvironmentThis role combines approximately 60% field work and 40% office-based activities. Field work involves frequent travel across Georgia to locations such as Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Athens, Savannah, and Valdosta, often in underground distribution and substation environments. The engineer works in below-grade, enclosed, and confined spaces, accessing equipment via ladders that may exceed 25 feet, and operates around energized equipment up to 600 VAC and medium voltage systems from 4 kV to 25 kV. The position requires working outdoors in adverse weather conditions and in complex electrical facilities where strict adherence to safety procedures is essential. Specialized test equipment such as relay testers, power quality analyzers, and communication test sets is used regularly, alongside SCADA, RTU, PLC, DCS, and HMI technologies. Office work includes documentation, reporting, planning, and coordination using MS Office and engineering software. The role operates on a 24/7 rotating on-call schedule with paid overtime, and may involve statewide travel on short notice, including overnight stays, weekends, and holidays. A valid Georgia drivers license is required, and the position emphasizes a strong safety culture and professional, collaborative interactions with customers and internal teams. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Atlanta, GA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Atlanta, GA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Atlanta,GA.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
