Senior Relay Settings Engineer - Salem

Overview

Senior Relay Settings Engineer – Salem, OR (hybrid-friendly). The Energy team provides infrastructure solutions for power delivery and renewable energy, offering planning and design for low- to high-voltage facilities and ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for communities across sectors including power generation, renewables, and transportation electrification. The location for this position is flexible with a preference for candidates near DEA offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, or Washington;

fully remote may be considered depending on circumstances. Some travel for project execution may be required.

• Exemplify DEA’s Cultural Drivers internally and externally.
• Design and implement protection systems for utility-scale power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects (wind, solar, and BESS).
• Develop protection schemes and settings for electrical equipment, including transformers, generators, feeders, and substation systems, based on client requirements and system specifications.
• Develop and configure protection relay settings, including overcurrent, differential, distance, and backup protection relays.
• Perform coordination studies to ensure proper relay operation and minimize system downtime during fault conditions.
• Use power system modeling tools (e.g., Easy Power, ETAP, DIgSILENT) to simulate and analyze protection systems, fault scenarios, and equipment ratings.
• Conduct studies such as fault analysis, short circuit, arc flash, grounding, cable heating, and reactive compensation.
• Support the testing and commissioning of protection relays and control systems to ensure correct operation and compliance with project specifications.
• Provide technical support during system commissioning and after installation to resolve any protection system issues.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot relay protection issues and perform root cause analysis when protection schemes fail or relay trips unexpectedly.
• Collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure the successful implementation of protection systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, including relay settings, test reports, system protection studies, and coordination diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (IEEE, IEC, NERC) and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in protection and relay engineering, with expertise in power systems, electrical protection, and controls.
• Proven experience working with utility companies, renewable energy projects, or transmission and distribution systems.
• Registered Professional Engineer.
• Highly proficient in relay setpoint development including SEL and GE relay programming.
• Highly proficient in applicable industry software (Easy Power, ETAP, CYMCAP, CDEGS, AcSELerator Quick Set).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Strong leadership, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.

• Thirteen (13) + years of applicable industry experience.
• Experience with power facility construction and commissioning.
• Experience as Owner’s Engineer or Engineer of Record for utility-scale wind and solar projects.
• Experience managing complex tasks in multidisciplinary projects.
• Recognized expert in one or more areas related to renewable energy project delivery.

• Comprehensive health coverage:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development:
  Support for continuing education and training opportunities
• PTO and Holiday Pay
• Flexible 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off
• 401k plan
• Holistic Wellbeing Program focusing on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Mentorship and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $125,000 - $180,000
• Salary transparency in accordance with state/local laws; final compensation commensurate with experience

Note:

If you would like to notify DEA of interest in initiating a written agreement for services or resumes, please email

• Possible office locations include:
  Portland, OR;
  Corvallis, OR;
  Bend, OR;
  Salem, OR;
  Coeur d Alene, ;
  Boise, ;
  Pocatello, ;
  Spokane, WA;
  Seattle, WA;
  Woodinville, WA;
  Tacoma, WA;
  Olympia, WA;
  Salt Lake City, UT.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Civil Engineering

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