PAC Strategy Executive Engineer

Kforce has a client that is seeking a PAC Strategy Executive Engineer in Tempe, AZ. Summary: The PAC Executive Engineer is a senior technical leader within the Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) organization, responsible for defining and executing strategic initiatives that modernize and optimize PAC systems. This role shapes the future of substation operational technology by enabling a flexible, data driven grid capable of supporting inverter-based resources (IBR) and advanced grid analytics, while ensuring safe and reliable power system operation. Key responsibilities include leading PAC modernization programs, advancing digital and virtualized substation architectures, and providing technical leadership across engineering, standards, and compliance functions. The role combines deep engineering expertise with executive level influence, guiding long term strategy and driving innovation across the organization. Primary duties include:

• Defining and executing PAC strategy roadmaps, including modernization, substation virtualization, and IBR integration initiatives
• Serving as a subject matter expert in technologies such as IEC 61850, synchrophasors, centralized protection and control, and virtualized PAC systems
• Managing large scale programs and projects with responsibility for technical scope, schedules, and budgets
• Developing and maintaining PAC technical standards and ensuring compliance with applicable reliability and cybersecurity requirements
• Evaluating emerging technologies and recommending solutions to enhance system performance and resilience
• Representing the organization on industry committees and in technical, regulatory, and professional forums
• Mentoring and developing engineers through technical leadership and training
• Driving organizational change, innovation, and thought leadership aligned with a modern, intelligent grid vision
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited or internationally recognized program
• Professional Engineering registration or equivalent international recognition preferred
• Minimum of 16 years of professional engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
• Proven record of technical publications and presentations

• Transmission and distribution systems, substation design, and protection and control systems
• Protective relay settings calculation, analysis, and coordination
• Proficiency with power system analysis tools (e.g., ASPEN, ETAP, SKM, PSS/E, PSLF)
• IEC 61850 and digital substation architectures
• SCADA, real time control systems, and industrial networking
• Reliability and cybersecurity standards (operations, planning, and critical infrastructure protection)
• Virtualization, edge computing, and software defined networking for energy systems
• Distributed energy resources, microgrids, energy storage, IBRs, and real time grid analytics

• Master's degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing major programs, budgets, and technical resources
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to influence at executive levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across diverse organizations and stakeholders
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel occasionally