What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Protection Engineer position at Native American Transformer Services, Inc.?

Job Summary

NTS is seeking an experienced Senior Protection Engineer to lead the design, application, testing, and commissioning of protection and control systems for power transformers and substation equipment. This role serves as a technical authority for protective relaying on customer projects, mentors junior engineers, and works closely with field service, testing, and project management teams to deliver safe, reliable, and code-compliant solutions for utility and industrial clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and review protection and control schemes for power transformers, substations, and associated equipment (relays, CTs/PTs, breakers, reclosers).

• Develop protective relay settings and coordination studies, including short-circuit, load flow, and arc-flash analysis.

• Program, configure, and test microprocessor-based protective relays (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, and similar platforms).

• Lead commissioning, functional testing, and troubleshooting of protection schemes in the field and factory acceptance testing (FAT).

• Review and interpret one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring drawings for accuracy and code compliance.

• Investigate relay misoperations and equipment failures; perform root-cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure designs comply with NERC, IEEE, ANSI, NEC, and applicable utility and client engineering standards.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to associate and staff protection engineers and field technicians.

• Collaborate with project managers, sales, and clients to scope work, develop proposals, and support project schedules and budgets.

• Prepare clear technical documentation, including test reports, settings files, studies, and as-built records.

• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, templates, and quality assurance procedures.

• Travel to customer sites, substations, and project locations as needed to support testing and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system protection engineering, including transformer and substation protection.

• Demonstrated expertise with protective relay programming and testing using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, DOBLE, Omicron Test Universe, or equivalent.

• Strong working knowledge of protection principles, including differential, overcurrent, distance, and busbar protection schemes.

• Familiarity with NERC PRC standards, IEEE C37 series, and utility protection and control practices.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, one-lines, and relay logic diagrams.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project and customer sites, including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain licensure within a defined timeframe.

• Experience with short-circuit, coordination, and arc-flash software (ETAP, ASPEN, CAPE, SKM, or similar).

• Prior experience working with or for a utility, transformer service provider, or substation construction/testing organization.

• Experience with SCADA, RTUs, and substation automation and communications protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850).

• NETA certification or equivalent field testing credentials.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a combination of office and field/substation environments, including energized electrical environments.

• Must be able to wear and work in appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc-flash rated clothing.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., climb ladders, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions as needed for field assignments.

• Field travel typically ranges from 10–25%, depending on project workload.

About NTS

Native American Transformer Services (NTS) provides comprehensive transformer and substation testing, maintenance, engineering, and field services to utility, industrial, and commercial customers. Our team is committed to safety, technical excellence, and building long-term partnerships through reliable, high-quality service. If you have any questions, please contact Jason O'Flaherty at joflaherty@nativetransformer.com

NTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

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