Associate Electrical Engineer - Power System Protection

Job Description

Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities

• Develop protective relay settings and setpoints in accordance with industry standards, best practices, and project-specific requirements.

• Perform power system modeling and analysis using industry-standard software tools such as ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, and SKM.

• Create and validate downloadable relay setting files using proprietary relay configuration software (e.g., SEL AcSELerator QuickSet, GE Enervista, and similar platforms).

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot protection and control logic commonly used in substation applications.

• Prepare progressively complex engineering deliverables, including calculations, studies, settings documentation, and technical reports.

• Research equipment and material options and provide technical recommendations to support design decisions.

• Collect, analyze, and manage engineering data to support project execution.

• Adhere to established quality programs, engineering standards, codes, and procedures; support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Understand and comply with project budget, schedule, and quality requirements; identify and help resolve technical issues within assigned scope.

• Coordinate with project leadership and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on assigned projects.

• Assign tasks and provide technical guidance to entry-level engineers and interns.

• Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams to understand project drivers and requirements.

• Share knowledge of emerging technologies, tools, and industry trends with the team.

• As experience grows, assist with mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development of junior staff.

• Provide support to business development or pursuit activities as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–4 years of experience in the transmission or substation industry.

• Fundamental understanding of Protection & Control (P&C) design, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.

• At least 1 year of experience developing protective relay settings (line, transformer, breaker, bus, generator, etc.).

• Familiarity with power system modeling and analysis tools such as ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, SKM, or similar software.

• Working knowledge of common protection philosophies used in Transmission, Distribution, and Renewable Collector Substations.

• Experience using Mathcad and Microsoft Excel for protection and control calculations.

• Familiarity with communication protocols such as DNP, MMS, Modbus, and SEL protocols.

• Knowledge of IEC 61850 concepts, including GOOSE, MMS, and Sampled Values (SV), and their implementation.

• Exposure to commonly deployed protective relays in substation environments, including microprocessor-based, electronic, and electromechanical relays.

• Awareness of NERC PRC standards and other relevant industry codes and regulations.

• Ability to independently develop relay setting files and protection logic using multiple vendor software platforms.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with team members and clients.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering from an accredited program.

• Minimum of 1 year of related engineering experience.

• Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment onboarding requirements, which may include background checks, drug screening, and motor vehicle records review, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.