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.