Dashiell, an operating unit of Quanta Services (trading as PWR), is a leading national provider of technical and construction services supporting critical electric infrastructure. We serve electric utilities, power generation, industrial, renewable, and energy markets with integrated capabilities spanning planning and system studies, engineering and design, maintenance and testing, program management, construction, and turnkey EPC delivery.
With more than 60 years of experience executing large, complex projects, Dashiell specializes in medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure and delivers safe, reliable solutions across the full project lifecycle. Backed by the scale, resources, and safety culture of Quanta Services, Dashiell partners with clients to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers communities and economies. Learn more at
Primary Function:
The Automation Engineer contributes to the design of automation and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substation projects within Dashiell's Engineering Group. Working under supervision, this role prepares design documents, performs basic calculations, and develops technical skills in substation automation. The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at
12301 Kurland Dr Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell's
Supervising Engineer. Successful candidates may be placed in a Design Engineer I, II or III title depending on skill and experience level. Candidates with more experience may be placed in higher positions.
Duties & Responsibilities
Employee may be called upon to perform any or all of the following functions:
- Prepare RTU/IED wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and automation schematics under engineer supervision.
- Assist with relay and automation device configuration for protection and control systems.
- Develop drawings and bills of material using AutoCAD Electrical or similar platforms.
- Support preparation of SCADA point lists and I/O assignments.
- Coordinate with protection engineers and drafters to incorporate field data into design packages.
- Assist in factory acceptance testing (FAT) preparation and documentation.
- Conduct site visits to support construction observation and testing.
- Support project engineers with design progress updates and deliverable tracking.
- Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.
How You Will Make an Impact
- Deliver quality automation design drawings that reduce field conflicts during commissioning.
- Support accurate, testable I/O and control documentation that speeds up FAT and site acceptance testing.
- Strengthen the Engineering Group's technical capacity through growing design proficiency.
Minimum Qualifications / Experience
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline required.
- Minimum 1 year of automation, protection & control, or related electrical design experience.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
- Basic understanding of substation automation, SCADA, and protective relaying principles.
- Proficiency or willingness to learn AutoCAD Electrical and automation configuration tools.
- Knowledge of IEC 61850, DNP3, or Modbus communication protocols a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Driving not required at this level.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits.
- Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces.
- Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR clothing, and hearing protection.
- Ability to travel to project sites as required.
Environmental Conditions
- Combination of climate-controlled office work and outdoor construction environments.
- Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
- Exposure to noise, dust, and industrial conditions during site visits.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions as defined by Company policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Dashiell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Dashiell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and an employee assistance program. Additional benefit offerings include medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high-deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options), dental and vision coverage, supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, critical illness insurance, group accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, among others.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship. Third-party recruiters and agencies, please do not contact us regarding this position.
