PAC Strategy Executive Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a PAC Strategy Executive Engineer in Scottsdale, AZ.

Summary:
The client is looking for a Senior Executive-level Engineer focused on leading the strategy, modernization, and innovation of a utility's protection, automation, and control (PAC) systems. Essentially the technology that keeps the electric grid safe, stable, and intelligent.

This job is about owning the technical vision for how substations and grid control systems evolve. That includes modernizing legacy infrastructure, integrating newer energy sources like solar and battery storage, and enabling a more data-driven, flexible grid.

Day-to-day, this person would:
* Set and drive long-term strategy for grid control and substation technologies, including digital/virtualized systems
* Act as a top technical authority (SME) on advanced grid technologies (like digital substations, real-time monitoring, and automation)
* Lead large, high-budget programs from both a technical and business perspective
* Establish and enforce engineering standards, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity practices
* Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that improve reliability, efficiency, and grid intelligence
* Represent the organization externally in industry groups, regulatory discussions, and technical forums
* Mentor engineers and influence leadership, helping shape broader organizational direction

The role blends deep technical expertise with executive-level leadership and is not just engineering, but also strategy, stakeholder influence, and innovation leadership.

REQUIREMENTS:
* Extensive experience (16+ years) in power systems, substations, and protection and control
* Strong background in grid modernization technologies and system analysis tools
* Proven ability to lead large programs and influence at a senior level
* Industry recognition (publications, presentations, committee involvement)

Highly Preferred Skills:
* Transmission and distribution systems, substation design, and protection and control (P&C) systems
* Protective relaying settings calculation, analysis, and coordination
* Proficiency with system analysis tools (ASPEN, ETAP, SKM, PSS/E, PSLF)
* IEC 61850 standard and digital substation
* SCADA, real-time control, or industrial networking
* NERC O&P and CIP standards
* Virtualization, edge computing, or software-defined networking for energy applications
* Virtual machines, containerization, and cloud-native architectures
* Distributed energy resource (DER) integration, microgrids, or grid flexibility solutions
* Energy storage systems, inverter-based resources (IBR), and real-time grid analytics
* Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to influence across organizational levels
* Excellent communication skills for technical presentations and stakeholder engagement

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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