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Power System Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories · Boise, ID

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Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Base pay
$89k–$134k
Travel
25%
Degree
Required
Experience asked
8+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (industrial) in Boise, ID. Serve as the technical lead and actively participate in complex project conceptual design, detailed design, execution, development, and support activities across multiple projects and focus areas.

They ask for
8+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Automation
Base pay
$89k–$134k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 25% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Idaho: typical posted base $89k–$149k. This one lists $89k–$134k.

Median of the low and high ends of 5 live postings that list pay, out of 7 controls engineer openings in Idaho, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Idaho plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 715 other live controls postings in the US.

Base pay
About 7% below similar roles

Typical $97k–$143k, from 240 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (8+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 74%
  • PLC 68%
  • Robotics 42%
  • Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 28%
  • Root cause 28%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageTraining program

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesAs posted on their careers site.Show

Position Summary

SEL Engineering Services is seeking a Project Engineer - Proposals to lead the technical evaluation and development of customer proposals for complex power system and automation projects. In this role, you will review customer RFQ documents, evaluate bid/no-bid opportunities, develop project work statements, preliminary designs, responsibility matrices, risk assessments, cash flow projections, and preliminary project schedules. You will leverage a strong understanding of SEL's Engineering Services portfolio to develop comprehensive technical solutions and collaborate with Contracts to finalize commercial terms and conditions.

This position requires a strategic, technically skilled professional who can effectively lead proposal development efforts, support customer engagement, and contribute to successful project execution.

Responsibilities

  • ◆Serve as the technical lead and actively participate in complex project conceptual design, detailed design, execution, development, and support activities across multiple projects and focus areas.
  • ◆Identify, prepare, and present successful proposals for SEL equipment, services, and systems.
  • ◆Review customer RFQs and technical specifications to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.
  • ◆Lead project teams in resolving customer concerns and fostering long-term customer satisfaction.
  • ◆Ensure project deliverables are completed within agreed scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety requirements.
  • ◆Develop project work statements, preliminary designs, responsibility matrices, risk assessments, cash flow forecasts, and preliminary schedules.
  • ◆Collaborate with Contracts and other cross-functional teams to finalize project terms and conditions.
  • ◆Mentor and develop professional staff and provide supervision when required.
  • ◆Model, teach, and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
  • ◆Embrace SEL's philosophy: Understand. Create. Simplify.
  • ◆Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • ✓Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • ✓Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with electric power systems or industrial automation system practices.
  • ✓Demonstrated knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration, automation, and communications applications.
  • ✓Demonstrated knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology (ICT), and protective relay applications.
  • ✓Ability to work on multiple solutions simultaneously
  • ✓Proven ability to lead and supervise project teams.
  • ✓Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • ✓Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
  • ✓Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
  • ✓Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • ✓Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%, depending on project and focus area requirements.
  • ✓Satisfactory background check results.
  • ✓Successful completion of required drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional certification.
  • ✓Experience with an electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering firm, or system integrator.
  • ✓Project management experience.
  • ✓Working knowledge of Vision or other project management tracking software.

Why Join SEL?

At SEL, you'll help solve complex technical challenges while working alongside industry experts committed to innovation, quality, and customer success. This role offers the opportunity to influence major projects from proposal development through execution, while supporting critical infrastructure around the world.

If you are a technically driven engineering professional with a passion for developing solutions and leading successful projects, we encourage you to apply.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • ✓We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • ✓We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • ✓We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • ✓We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • ✓Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Show full description ↓

Project Engineer - Proposals

Job Locations

  • •Pullman, WA – This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.
  • •Boise, ID – This position is located in Boise, ID, capital of the gem state, and on the Boise River in the southwestern part of the state. You will enjoy local restaurants in a vibrant downtown full of small businesses, easy access to mountain foothills and 190 miles of trails. The city is also home to great schools and universities including Boise State University. Boise has been ranked as one of America's fastest growing cities, making it a great place to live and work.
  • •Vacaville, CA – This position is located in Vacaville, CA where you'll enjoy an unmatched quality of life. Positioned between Sacramento and Napa Valley, the city's close proximity will allow you to enjoy great shopping, dining, and entertainment. In Vacaville, enjoy e

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