Protection & Controls Design Engineer

The Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing protection and control systems for high-voltage substations, transmission, and distribution systems. This role ensures reliable system performance, personnel safety, and compliance with industry standards and client specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop protection and control design packages for substations (typically 15 kV – 500 kV).
• Prepare one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Design relay protection schemes for transformers, lines, buses, and breakers.
• Perform relay coordination studies and protection setting calculations using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, Aspen OneLiner, or ETAP.
• Specify and select relays, meters, RTUs, communication equipment, and control panels.
• Review and interpret customer technical specifications and standards to ensure design compliance.
• Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and testing of protection and control systems.
• Coordinate design activities with civil, structural, and physical design teams to ensure integration of all substation systems.
• Review vendor drawings and support equipment procurement efforts.
• Prepare project documentation, including bills of material, test plans, and design reports.
• Ensure all designs adhere to applicable NERC, IEEE, IEC, and utility standards.
• Support field engineers and technicians with troubleshooting and startup assistance.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE required, power systems focus preferred).

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in protection & control design for substations or transmission/distribution systems.
• Familiarity with protective relay logic and SCADA integration.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience with SEL, GE, or Siemens relays preferred.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• NCEES record or ability to obtain PE in multiple states a plus.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, relaying principles, and control logic.
• Ability to interpret complex electrical drawings and develop detailed designs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with effective teamwork across disciplines.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with occasional field visits to substation or project sites.
• May require travel to client or construction sites (<20%)

Salary : $125,000 - $180,000