Senior Protection and Control Engineer

The Senior Protection & Controls Engineer provides expert-level substation protection and control design, engineering, commissioning, testing, maintenance, and technical support for utility, renewable energy, and industrial projects. This includes medium- and high-voltage substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and solar collector substations. The role combines technical leadership, hands-on field work, project management, and client engagement to deliver safe, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions.

The incumbent will lead and mentor teams, act as the technical authority for P&C systems, perform responsible-charge engineering duties, and ensure deliverables meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams of engineers, designers, and technicians
• Provide technical direction, training, and professional development for junior staff
• Support business development through technical input on proposals, client presentations, and relationship building
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, resources, and quality control processes

Design & Engineering

• Develop protection and control designs, including one-line and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams
• Design protection schemes for bus, line, capacitor, transformer, and other equipment, including relay settings and coordination
• Specify and design SCADA communication systems, RTUs, and substation automation (e.g., IEC 61850)
• Prepare engineering specifications and ensure implementation in project deliverables
• Perform system studies, including short-circuit, coordination, arc flash, insulation coordination, and load flow analysis

Field Testing, Commissioning & Maintenance

• Lead or oversee acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance of substation equipment (e.g., transformers, switch gear, breakers, relays, cables, grounding)
• Troubleshoot complex electrical and control system issues during installation, commissioning, and operation
• Conduct relay functional testing, end-to-end/satellite testing, and system integration verification
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NETA, NFPA 70E, NEC, and company safety policies
• Prepare detailed test reports, as-built documentation, and compliance records

Quality Control & Problem Solving

• Develop and implement quality control checklists for design and field activities
• Review deliverables for technical accuracy, completeness, and standards compliance
• Modify designs to address issues identified during construction or commissioning
• Coordinate effectively with clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required);
  Master’s degree a plus
• 8+ years of protection & controls engineering experience, including at least 2 years in field testing/commissioning of medium to high-voltage systems
• Experience with utility, renewable energy (BESS/solar), and industrial substation projects
• Familiarity with multiple client/utility design standards and project management methodologies
• Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g., AutoCAD, ETAP, ASPEN, SKM, relay configuration tools) and testing equipment
• Proven leadership of technical teams and management of multiple projects
• Advanced knowledge of protection principles, SCADA/automation systems, IEC 61850, and substation design/construction practices
• Strong understanding of electrical safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, arc flash, lockout/tagout)

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• NETA certification (Level III or higher) or willingness to obtain
• Certifications in electrical safety (e.g., OSHA 30, NFPA 70E training)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (effective 1st of the month following hire)
• Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Per diem for overnight/out-of-town assignments
• Employee Referral Program (up to $5,000)

Technical Training & Certification Support

• Incentives and support for NETA certification advancement
• Peer workshops, study groups, and reimbursement for industry certifications

Career Growth & Development

• Annual compensation reviews with performance evaluations and structured feedback
• Leadership development programs
• Clear advancement opportunities