Protection and Control Designer – Substations (Utility)

United States (Remote)

Hourly Rate: $33 - $42/hr W2
Based on the Denver, Colorado labor market.

Location: Lakewood, CO (local/in-office) or full-time remote candidates.

About the Position:

As a Mid–Senior Protection & Control (P&C) Designer in the Utility Substation group, you will support the design and development of protection and control drawing packages for transmission and distribution substations. Working under the direction of experienced engineers, you will develop detailed design packages, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality engineering drawings and documentation that meet project scope, schedule, and client standards.

This role requires a strong understanding of substation protection and control design principles, electrical schematics, and utility design standards.

Essential Responsibilities:

What you will do:

• Develop detailed protection and control design packages for transmission and distribution substations. Typical design deliverables include:
  • Protection and control schematics
  • AC/DC elementary diagrams
  • Wiring diagrams and panel layouts
  • Relay panel arrangements
  • Cable schedules and termination drawings
  • Interconnection diagrams
  • SCADA and communications interface drawings
• Support development of drawing packages at 30%, 60%, 90%, and IFC design milestones.
• Coordinate design activities with:
  • Protection & Control Engineers
  • Substation Physical Engineers
  • Civil/Structural Engineers
  • Designers and CAD technicians
  • Project managers and clients
• Perform internal checks of drawings and engineering deliverables to ensure:
  • Accuracy and completeness
  • Compliance with client and utility standards
  • Alignment with project scope and design requirements
  • Maintain organized engineering documentation and drawing files.
• Continue development of knowledge related to:
  • Utility protection and control standards
  • Relay schemes and protection philosophies
  • Substation communication protocols
  • Industry codes and standards
  • Participate in training, seminars, and professional development opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Technical Directors, Team Leads, and Project Engineers on departmental projects.

• Assist with development and revision of P&C design standards and technical go-bys.
• Support preparation of engineering documentation, reports, and design deliverables.
• Ensure deliverables are completed on time and within project schedules.
• Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate feedback from engineering teams.

Requirements:

• Education: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 5–10 years of experience in substation protection and control design or related electrical design work.
• Licensure: FE or PE preferred.

        Skills: Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, BlueBeam, and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Note: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Work Environment

• Hybrid or fully remote work model depending on location and project needs 

• Travel typically ranges from 15–25% and varies by project 

• Combination of office-based work and periodic field engagement 

Benefits & Total Rewards

NEI offers a comprehensive benefits and total rewards package that include medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability; a 401(k) with employer matching; paid time off; paid holidays; and paid parental leave. Benefits eligibility and details may vary by role and location and will be provided during the interview process. 

We are a proud equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information. NEI Electric Power Engineering participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your completed Form I-9 to confirm your work authorization in the United States.

Salary : $33 - $42