System Test Specialist - IEC 61850

Job description

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The System Testing Engineer is a specialist-level individual contributor responsible for executing and driving advanced system testing activities for substation automation and protection systems. This role centers on IEC 61850 (Edition 2.1), top-down engineering, and multi-vendor relay interoperability, with a modern mandate to integrate AI-agentic workflows into the testing lifecycle.

Job Description

Core Focus: Test Strategy & Execution

·  Test Case Design:  Architect comprehensive, high-coverage test suites for complex protection and control logic.
·  Automation Scripting:  Develop and maintain robust automation scripts to enhance test cycle speed and consistency.
·  Defect Tracking:  Perform rigorous defect lifecycle management, from identification and root cause analysis to final validation.

AI-Driven Testing Workflow & Skills

·  Requirements to Tests:  Generate accurate test cases and automation scripts directly from technical requirements using AI-powered tools.
·  Validation:  Review and validate AI-generated automation scripts for accuracy, maintainability, and standard compliance.
·  Defect Intelligence:  Utilize AI-driven tools for automated defect triage, trend analysis, and comprehensive summarization of complex system issues.
·  Exploratory Testing:  Apply advanced prompt engineering techniques to conduct AI-guided exploratory testing to uncover edge-case defects.

Technical Responsibilities

·  Troubleshooting:  Serve as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for IEC 61850 inquiries. Perform deep-dive analysis of communication logs (GOOSE, MMS, SV) and relay event records to resolve multi-vendor integration challenges.
·  Technical Collaboration:  Review communication matrices and SCL configurations to identify design gaps early.
·  Documentation:  Maintain detailed, audit-ready test evidence and documentation for project certification and delivery.

Required Skills and Experience

·  Domain Expertise:  3 to 6 years deep hands-on experience with  IEC 61850 (Edition 2 & 2.1)  and substation automation/protection systems.
·  Integration Skills:  Proven experience in testing and troubleshooting systems with multi-vendor IEDs/Relays .
·  Automation & Scripting:  Proficiency in scripting (Python, Shell, or similar) and experience with test automation frameworks.
·  AI Competency:  Demonstrated ability to apply AI based tools for test design, script generation, and defect analysis. Strong command of prompt engineering to drive technical workflows.
·  Analytical Ability:  Exceptional skill in log analysis, protocol trace interpretation, and root-cause identification.

Preferred Qualifications

·  Background in power systems, protection and control, or digital substation engineering.
·  Experience with SCL engineering and IEC 61850 system configuration tools.
·  Experience managing complex test environments and high-volume defect tracking in a specialist capacity.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes