Imagine a role where your expertise directly safeguards the energy grid that powers thousands of homes and businesses across Maine, ensuring reliability in an increasingly complex world of energy demands. Avangrid, a trailblazer in the energy sector, is on the hunt for a Principal Engineer specializing in Protection & Control to join their dedicated team in Portland or Augusta. This isn’t just another engineering job—it’s a chance to shape the future of electric delivery systems spanning over 2,600 miles of transmission lines and 317 substations. The stakes are high, and the impact is real. Reporting to the Manager of Protection & Control, the person stepping into this position will tackle both intricate technical challenges and inspiring leadership responsibilities. From designing cutting-edge protection systems to mentoring the next generation of engineers, this role offers a unique blend of innovation and influence. Dive into what makes this opportunity at Avangrid a career-defining move for any seasoned professional eager to leave a mark on the energy industry.
Shaping Grid Reliability and Safety
Driving Design and Performance
In the heart of Avangrid’s mission lies the critical task of ensuring the electric grid operates without a hitch, and that’s where the expertise of a Principal Engineer in Protection & Control becomes indispensable. This role focuses on spearheading the engineering design, estimation, and analysis of protection systems for transmission and substation infrastructure. It’s about aligning technical precision with the company’s capital construction budgets while pushing for performance enhancements that keep the grid robust. Every decision made in this capacity—whether it’s refining settings or overseeing testing and commissioning—directly impacts system reliability. Beyond just maintaining standards, the engineer must anticipate potential weaknesses and address them proactively. The challenge is not only to meet today’s demands but to build a foundation that withstands tomorrow’s uncertainties. With Maine’s extensive energy network at stake, this position is a cornerstone in delivering safe, consistent power to communities across the region.
Moreover, this role extends beyond individual projects to encompass a broader vision of system integration. Coordinating protection platforms across Avangrid’s operations and even with global affiliates requires a deep understanding of networking, engineering criteria, and construction standards. It involves crafting design specifications and automation configurations that streamline operations while ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. The engineer must navigate the complexities of commissioning plans, often working with external contractors to ensure seamless execution. This isn’t just about technical know-how; it’s about seeing the bigger picture and connecting the dots across diverse teams and geographies. Innovation plays a huge role here, as evaluating new technologies to enhance safety and cost-effectiveness is a key expectation. By integrating cutting-edge solutions, the engineer helps position Avangrid as a leader in the energy sector, ready to adapt to evolving industry trends and challenges.
Leading with Vision and Mentorship
Equally important to technical prowess in this role is the ability to inspire and guide others within the organization. Serving as a mentor to the Protection Engineering group, the Principal Engineer acts as a beacon of knowledge, fostering technical growth and ensuring adherence to best practices. This leadership isn’t about issuing directives from above; it’s about rolling up the sleeves and diving into complex projects alongside the team. By sharing expertise in power system protection, from design to implementation, the engineer helps cultivate a culture of continuous learning. The impact of such mentorship is profound, as it builds a workforce capable of tackling intricate challenges with confidence. This aspect of the role is a reminder that true leadership in engineering goes beyond solving equations—it’s about empowering others to excel.
In addition, this position demands a forward-thinking approach to drive innovation within the team and across the company. Part of the responsibility includes evaluating emerging technologies that can revolutionize how protection systems function, prioritizing safety and efficiency. This isn’t a static role bound by routine; it requires staying ahead of industry curves and advocating for solutions that offer long-term benefits. Whether it’s demonstrating the value of a new tool or redesigning a process to cut costs without compromising quality, the engineer’s input shapes Avangrid’s strategic direction. Representing the company on regional and national committees further amplifies this influence, providing a platform to share insights and learn from peers. In essence, leadership in this context means being both a teacher and a trailblazer, ensuring that Avangrid remains at the forefront of energy innovation while nurturing the talent that will carry that legacy forward.
Building a Career with Impact
Essential Qualifications for Success
Stepping into a role of such significance at Avangrid requires a solid foundation of education and experience that matches the high stakes of the position. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is a must, paired with at least 10 years of hands-on experience in relevant fields. For those with a Master’s degree or a professional engineering license, the edge becomes even sharper, as these credentials signal a deeper commitment to the craft. However, it’s not just about formal qualifications; expertise in power system protection is non-negotiable. This spans everything from engineering design to a thorough grasp of national and international standards, ensuring compliance at every turn. The role demands both theoretical insight and practical skills, honed through years of planning, operations, and construction work. Only with this blend can an engineer tackle the multifaceted challenges of protecting a vast electric delivery system like Avangrid’s with precision.
Beyond the academic and technical requirements, the position calls for a unique set of analytical and interpersonal skills to navigate complex projects. Proficiency in economic analysis is critical, as is the ability to build and defend business cases to stakeholders with clarity and conviction. Reviewing and approving engineering documentation is part of the daily grind, requiring meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality. Equally important is the capacity to work independently, often under minimal supervision, making high-stakes decisions that impact the grid’s reliability. Strong problem-solving skills are essential when addressing operational issues or analyzing fault events to prevent future disruptions. In a role where collaboration intersects with autonomy, the ability to communicate effectively and influence outcomes across departments sets the right candidate apart. This is a position for someone who thrives under pressure and leads with both intellect and integrity.
Rewards and Workplace Culture
Avangrid recognizes the value of attracting top talent and backs this role with a compensation package that reflects that commitment. A base salary ranging from $125,000 to $157,000, depending on experience and location, is just the starting point. Add to that a potential bonus of up to 16%, and the financial incentive becomes even more compelling. The benefits don’t stop there—comprehensive health insurance, a generous 12% match on 401(k) contributions, and two months of parental leave demonstrate a focus on employee well-being. Unique offerings like a $3,500 electric vehicle incentive and up to $10,000 in relocation support for eligible candidates make the transition smoother for those joining from afar. Even educational aspirations are supported with an annual tuition assistance policy of up to $10,000. It’s clear that Avangrid aims to invest in its people just as much as it invests in its infrastructure.
Beyond the tangible rewards, the company fosters an environment where professional growth is a priority. Opportunities for certifications, career advancement, and skill development are woven into the fabric of the workplace, ensuring that employees don’t just stagnate in their roles. Flexible work arrangements offer a nod to work-life balance, acknowledging the diverse needs of a modern workforce. Based in an office setting in Portland or Augusta with a standard 5-day workweek, the role keeps engineers closely tied to the local infrastructure and team dynamics. The culture at Avangrid emphasizes collaboration, safety, and sustainability, creating a space where ideas are shared freely and innovation thrives. Employees may also take on emergency roles or responsibilities tied to compliance with reliability standards, underscoring the critical nature of their contributions. This is a workplace designed not just to employ, but to empower.
Strategic Influence and Future Outlook
The influence of a Principal Engineer at Avangrid extends far beyond day-to-day tasks, positioning the role as a linchpin in the company’s long-term strategy. By shaping protection technology platforms and communication strategies, the engineer ensures that the electric delivery system meets rigorous reliability and safety benchmarks. This isn’t a solitary endeavor; collaboration with global affiliates means integrating solutions that have a ripple effect across the industry. The strategic input provided in this capacity helps cement Avangrid’s reputation as a leader in grid performance, particularly through the adoption of innovative tools and methods. Every decision, from analyzing transmission fault events to producing actionable reports for management, contributes to a stronger, more resilient energy network. This role is about creating a legacy of stability in an ever-evolving field.
Looking ahead, the impact of this position also lies in its ability to prepare the industry for future challenges through mentorship and knowledge sharing. By guiding the technical development of the Protection Engineering group, the engineer builds a team ready to address emerging complexities in energy delivery. Representing Avangrid on external committees amplifies this influence, allowing for the exchange of best practices and the shaping of broader industry standards. It’s a role that bridges the gap between current operations and future possibilities, ensuring that the company stays agile in the face of technological and regulatory shifts. The work done here today lays the groundwork for a safer, more efficient grid tomorrow, making this position a vital piece of the energy sector’s puzzle. For any engineer passionate about making a difference, this opportunity offers a platform to drive change on multiple levels, from local communities to global networks.
