Protection & Controls Design Engineer

Current Opening•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Protection & Control (P&C) Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing protection and control systems for high-voltage substations, transmission, and distribution systems. This role ensures reliable system performance, personnel safety, and compliance with industry standards and client specifications. Key Responsibilities: Develop protection and control design packages for substations (typically 15 kV – 500 kV). Prepare one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts. Design relay protection schemes for transformers, lines, buses, and breakers. Perform relay coordination studies and protection setting calculations using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, Aspen OneLiner, or ETAP. Specify and select relays, meters, RTUs, communication equipment, and control panels. Review and interpret customer technical specifications and standards to ensure design compliance. Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and testing of protection and control systems. Coordinate design activities with civil, structural, and physical design teams to ensure integration of all substation systems. Review vendor drawings and support equipment procurement efforts. Prepare project documentation, including bills of material, test plans, and design reports. Ensure all designs adhere to applicable NERC, IEEE, IEC, and utility standards. Support field engineers and technicians with troubleshooting and startup assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE required, power systems focus preferred).
3+ years of experience in protection & control design for substations or transmission/distribution systems.
Familiarity with protective relay logic and SCADA integration.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent CAD software.
Experience with SEL, GE, or Siemens relays preferred.
Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, relaying principles, and control logic.
Ability to interpret complex electrical drawings and develop detailed designs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Collaborative mindset with effective teamwork across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
NCEES record or ability to obtain PE in multiple states a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop protection and control design packages for substations (typically 15 kV – 500 kV).
Prepare one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
Design relay protection schemes for transformers, lines, buses, and breakers.
Perform relay coordination studies and protection setting calculations using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, Aspen OneLiner, or ETAP.
Specify and select relays, meters, RTUs, communication equipment, and control panels.
Review and interpret customer technical specifications and standards to ensure design compliance.
Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and testing of protection and control systems.
Coordinate design activities with civil, structural, and physical design teams to ensure integration of all substation systems.
Review vendor drawings and support equipment procurement efforts.
Prepare project documentation, including bills of material, test plans, and design reports.
Ensure all designs adhere to applicable NERC, IEEE, IEC, and utility standards.
Support field engineers and technicians with troubleshooting and startup assistance.