how to become a protection & control engineer?

[quantum-link]

so any tips for someone who is wanting to become a protection and control engineer? I have worked for 13 years in the consulting firm (mostly petrochemicals and oil/gas) and recently moved to the utility/energy sector.

i already have experience with power systems studies (load flow, short circuit, motor starting) so I have some understanding of power systems. i had some experience with protective relaying studies but not actual relay setting or programming.

so my question - if i wanted to become a good P&C engineer, what path must I take? how should penetrate this field?

right now I am mostly working in the substation design (mostly layouts)

 

[quantum-link]

@davidbeach

that's actually my concern. I couldn't just jump in and apply to an entry level P&C job and reduce my salary to an EIT level

although I may have been short selling myself. I worked for 13 yrs in industrial and have worked extensively on schematics drawings and always have delt with relays so the concept of protection is not foreign to me. although I don't have the P&C engineer for a title but have worked on this field here and there. my tasks were more of generalist, meaning I design various deliverables - from layouts to SLDs to schematics.

the dilemma is I can't sell myself as a full fledge P&C either

 

[DM61850]

Find a job or position where they want someone who can wear a lot of hats. Small groups or organizations want people who can do a lot of billable tasks or can do the functions of two people.

 

[quantum-link]

@thermionic1

thanks for the encouragement. i am actually working on my PE. so basically you are saying that having the PE can help me get in? i guess it does but just wanted to verify as I am not from the U.S., I only recently moved here due to work.

 

[quantum-link]

are there trade schools or short courses that teaches Automation? PLC, HMI, RTU, relay interconnections, things like these

 

[DM61850]

University of Idaho and Michigan Tech. have very good power outreach programs and one or two courses each that cover protection. Dr.Johnson at Idaho is a very good prof and same with Dr.Mork at Michigan Tech. I took the protection course at Michigan Tech but have taken courses Idaho as well and have reviewed their protection curriculum. Both are very geared towards application and either one are very good.

 

[quantum-link]

So I did some research and found one video talking about Cisco substation automation and security. this got me curious and found Cisco CCNA certification for Network and Switching.

so quick question - is this a good certification to get and will this help me better understand P&C relay automation?

 

[Mbrooke]

Bump. Good questions thus far- great thread.

How many apply for P&R positions?

 

[quantum-link]

yep, I hope someone can shed some light on the CCNA certifications or any similar certifications? I've also taken a look at ISA but couldn't pin point yet specific certification that is for substation automation.

 

[xnuke]

ISA focuses on process automation and not much else. It won't be beneficial.

xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[quantum-link]

@xnuke

Thanks. appreciate your answer. do you know any good certification for substation automation?