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Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size ...

Substation Engineer

Detroit, MI

$97K - $124K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size ...

Substation Engineer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size ...

Substation Engineer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size ...

Design Engineer ** The preferred candidate will have utility experience directly related to electric substation, generation, and transmission line equipment control and fault protection systems.

Applies substation and distribution automation communication concepts to protection system and control implementations. * Engineering Tools & Technical Software: Applies AutoCAD or similar computer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

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

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substation Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Design Engineer - Protection and Controls

Design Engineer - Protection and Controls

Apidel Technologies

Topeka, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Under the direction of the Manager, System Protection Engineering and/or Sr Manager TS Engineering, perform engineering design related to the company's electric substation, transmission line, and generation equipment control and fault protection systems. Works closely with other System Protection Engineers in developing P&C designs for assigned project work. Initial duties will include familiarization with the engineering documents and drawings. Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Perform design relating to the company's electric substation, transmission line and generation equipment control systems and fault protection systems to ensure reliability and safety. Specify substation equipment using substation ratings (e.g., bus, ground mat, conduit, switches, power circuit breakers, transformers, relay panels, instrumentation, capacitor banks, reactor banks) to ensure reliability and safety. Design protective relay systems, metering and SCADA by referencing standards, past projects, new research, regulations and system requirements in order to ensure reliability and safety. Gather and analyze system ratings (e.g., voltage, power ratings, ampacity, system impedance, CT ratios, and relay settings) by researching substation current conditions and configurations to provide data to reporting agencies (i.e., SPP, NERC, FERC) and meet new system requirements. Produce detailed system protection and control project scopes and cost estimates to assist in multi-year projects and budget planning by using data from previous projects, bids, and research to ensure accuracy and completion of tasks on time and on budget. Support both operations and construction personnel as needed in troubleshooting, failure analysis, mis- operations, testing assistance, commissioning assistance and other technical duties by analyzing data and providing findings to resolve problems (e.g., equipment failures, construction issues, drawings, event reports). Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of electrical systems and equipment to ensure that installation and operations conform to requirements (e.g., Company, protection, code). Direct designers and technicians by reviewing work and monitoring progress in order to ensure compliance with safety and regulations.
Mandatory
Requires a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited program. The preferred candidate will have utility experience directly related to electric substation, generation, and transmission line equipment control and fault protection systems. Successful candidate requires knowledge of basic engineering principles and advanced mathematics. Requires knowledge of and skills in electric power engineering including: Understanding of schematic, wiring, and logic diagrams. Requires the ability to learn major systems in a timely fashion. Knowledge of Generation, Transmission and Distribution system relays and associated protection schemes. Ability to develop elementary drawings, relay logic and settings for system protection designs. Must be dependable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented and have excellent organizational and proofreading skills. Must possess the ability to work and communicate effectively with other company personnel. Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and databases preferred. Must be able to handle multiple priorities and operate efficiently and effectively in high stress environment 1. Ability to learn company s design philosophy related to protection and control designs 2. Review and redline substation protection and transmission line protection and control drawings related to the company s typical designs. 3. Review detailed system protection and control project bills of material,


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About Apidel Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We understand that attracting, qualifying, placing, and retaining the best candidates for our clients requires exceptional talent. That’s why our highly skilled and dedicated recruitment team works tirelessly to develop lifelong associations with all candidates and clients. We prioritize helping our employees achieve their career goals while providing effective staffing solutions to our clients and candidates. At Apidel, we believe in simple yet established core values that are ingrained within each member of our team. These values are time and again illustrated in our approach to employees, candidates, and clients. Our unwavering belief that our core values of integrity, client satisfaction, innovation, and intellect distinguish us from our competitors is what drives us forward. We remain focused on improving and sustaining a measurable client satisfaction program that has created an organizational culture where our associates provide world-class service every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainfield, IL, US

Year founded

2012