Associate Electrical Engineer - Power System Protection

Associate Electrical Engineer - Power System Protection

Denver, Colorado, United States

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously expand knowledge of internal design guides, engineering standards, systems, and applicable industry codes; apply this knowledge effectively to assigned tasks.
• Independently apply developing technical skills while adhering to established quality programs, procedures, and engineering best practices; support continuous improvement and change management initiatives.
• Prepare a range of engineering deliverables of increasing complexity, including calculations, studies, technical documentation, and design packages.
• Conduct technical research and develop recommendations for equipment and material selection based on project requirements and industry standards.
• Collect, analyze, and manage engineering data to support design and project execution activities.
• Perform increasingly complex engineering calculations using standard methods and sound engineering principles.
• Understand and comply with project budget, schedule, and quality requirements; identify, define, and assist in resolving technical issues within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Provide technical direction and task-level guidance to junior engineers and interns; support their technical development.
• Coordinate design activities with project leadership and collaborate with internal and external team members on assigned projects.
• Interface with other engineering disciplines as needed to support integrated design solutions.
• Develop an understanding of client needs, priorities, and drivers through regular communication and collaboration; support internal project leadership objectives.
• Contribute to business development or proposal efforts as needed.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry practices and actively share knowledge with the team.
• As experience grows, assist with mentoring, performance feedback, recognition, and professional development of entry-level staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–4 years of experience in the transmission or substation industry.
• Foundational understanding of Protection & Control (P&C) design concepts, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Approximately 1 year of experience developing protective relay settings , including line, transformer, breaker, and bus protection.
• Familiarity with power system modeling and analysis tools such as ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, SKM, or similar software.
• Knowledge of common protection schemes and philosophies used in Transmission, Distribution, and Renewable Collector Substations.
• Experience using Mathcad and Microsoft Excel for protection and control calculations.
• Familiarity with common substation communication protocols such as DNP, MMS, Modbus, and SEL protocols.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61850, including GOOSE, MMS, and Sampled Values (SV), and their application in substation environments.
• Exposure to protective relays used in substation applications, including microprocessor-based, electronic, and electromechanical relays.
• Awareness of NERC PRC standards and other relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Ability to develop protective relay setpoints in accordance with industry standards, best practices, and project requirements.
• Ability to independently create downloadable relay setting files using multiple vendor software platforms (e.g., SEL AcSELerator QuickSet, GE Enervista, and similar tools).
• Ability to develop and modify logic used in protection and control schemes.
• 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 institution.
• 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.