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Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThinkingAhead

Substation Designer

Protection and control systems * Relay schematics * AC/DC station service * Substation construction practices Preferred * Experience with utility, consulting engineering, or EPC firms. * Knowledge of ...

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Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer information

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$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do entry level substation protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level substation protection engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer vs Substation Technician?

AspectEntry Level Substation Protection EngineerSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma or technical training; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and testing of protection systems in office and fieldField work, maintenance, and troubleshooting at substations
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, engineering firms, power generation companiesUtility companies, contractors, maintenance providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in substation protectionLearning about substation maintenance and technical roles

The Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer focuses on designing and analyzing protection systems, requiring an engineering degree, while a Substation Technician handles maintenance and troubleshooting in the field. Both roles are essential in the power industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What does an Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer do?

An Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining protective systems for electrical substations. Their primary role is to ensure the safe and reliable operation of power grids by analyzing system data, preparing technical drawings, and supporting senior engineers in developing protection schemes. They also help with troubleshooting equipment issues, conducting field inspections, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

What are some typical projects or tasks an Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer might work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer, you can expect to assist in designing and reviewing protection and control schematics, performing relay settings calculations, and supporting the commissioning of substation equipment. You’ll likely collaborate closely with senior engineers, project managers, and field technicians, gaining hands-on experience with protective relays, communication protocols, and system studies. Over your first year, you’ll become familiar with industry standards and utility requirements, develop troubleshooting skills, and contribute to ensuring reliable and safe operation of power systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power systems, and a relevant degree such as a BSEE. Familiarity with industry tools like AutoCAD, relay coordination software (such as SEL or GE relays), and understanding of NERC reliability standards is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in technical problem-solving and team collaboration. These competencies ensure reliable substation operation, accurate protection system design, and adherence to industry safety and compliance standards.
More about Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Protection Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Substation Protection Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Junior Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Junior Substation Protection and Control Engineer

WSP

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$73K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Junior Substation Protection and Control Engineer to join our Power & Energy team at our client's office located in Rochester, NY. The following locations will also be considered: Boston, MA, Kansas City, MO, New York, NY, Salt Lake City, UT, Orlando, FL and Augusta, ME. The Junior Substation Protection and Control engineer will be involved in projects with our Energy Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.
Your Impact
The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:
  • Assist in preparing and reviewing conceptual design for the high voltage substation protection and control projects
  • Assist in preparing and reviewing project specifications for substation protection and control equipment procurement, installation, testing and commissioning
  • Develop protection relay setting calculations and coordination reports.
  • Assist in preparing and reviewing designs for high voltage substation protection and control projects including One-Line, Three-line, AC/DC Schematics, Wiring Diagrams etc.
  • Develop relay setting calculations and coordination reports.
  • Ensuring compliance with industry standards and specifications, good engineering practice and constructability.
  • Have general knowledge of related disciplines/fields of engineering and as needed coordinate/supervise design activities of multi-disciplined project team members
  • Provide construction support including resolving site queries, attending site meetings and performing site inspections during the construction phase of projects
  • Maintaining complete project documentation with respect to high voltage substation protection and control design and construction, including as-builts and project closeout information
  • Maintaining good working relationships and fulfilling commitments to project team and internal/external groups that support projects such as procurement, construction, project management, material suppliers, contractors, and any others that affect the quality, schedule and cost of projects
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution
  • Minimum of 1+ years' post education experience, preferably in high voltage substation protection and control design.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Electrical is an asset.
  • Experience on MathCAD, ASPEN or ETAP software is an asset.
  • Experience on relay setting and coordination is an asset.
  • Experience in the design of wiring schematics is a must.
  • Experience on PSCAD or EMTP software is an asset.
  • Knowledge of modern power system, power system protection and relay technologies.
  • Maintain a strong client focus.
  • Knowledge of High Voltage & Utility codes and standards.
  • Proficiency with a MS Office, MathCAD, PDF authoring software - Bluebeam or similar
  • Efficient communications and ability to work with team members not located in the same office through MS Teams, email, or telephone calls
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • This role is subject to a client-mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of this policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.
  • This position is subject to and contingent upon client approval of candidates put forth for consideration by WSP.
  • Position is located at the client office.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Essential Professional Licensure/Certification
  • Experience in SEL and GE relay programming is desirable.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $73,100 - $125,400
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-MN1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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