Freelance Substation Automation System Jobs in Reno, NV

Substation Protection and Control Engineer, EPC

Redwood Materials is seeking a Substation Protection and Control Engineer to join our EPC team. This role is central to the design of high voltage electrical infrastructure to support our mission. Our mission is to build a sustainable circular economy for lithium-ion batteries by transforming recycled materials into high-quality inputs for new batteries. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Lead the design of high voltage AC electrical systems, specifically for industrial substations (69kV to 345kV) and their integration with upstream transmission lines and downstream MV distribution
• Review and evaluate the design of existing substations to provide recommendations for improving reliability and stability
• Develop single-line diagrams, physical layout and design, protection and control systems, relay design and coordination, and grounding plans for substations
• Perform grid simulation and stability studies using industry standard tools such as PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD, ASPEN OneLiner and similar software
• Interface with utilities and ISO/RTOs to support interconnection studies, permitting, and compliance for new renewable and BESS projects 
• Perform short circuit, load flow, and arc flash studies
• Develop relay settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent software
• Evaluate and select high voltage equipment including switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, reactors, PTs, CTs, and protection relays
• Serve as Electrical Engineer of Record for assigned projects
• Lead code compliance reviews (NEC, IEEE, NESC, NFPA) and provide technical guidance to internal teams
• Collaborate with civil and structural engineers on substation layout, foundations, and site development
• Support facilities, construction and commissioning teams with field engineering, testing, and troubleshooting
• Review vendor submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings for technical accuracy
• Participate in technical bid evaluations and identify scope gaps
• Lead R&D efforts to perform feasibility analysis of using medium voltage DC distribution system for integrating BESS with other sources
• Independently manage high voltage design packages from concept through commissioning
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to align scope, schedule, and budget
• Prepare engineering cost estimates and execution schedules in collaboration with project controls
• Lead technical reviews and design optimization workshops
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development
• Develop workflows, templates, and standards for high voltage design and simulation
• Support strategic initiatives related to grid integration, renewable energy, and energy storage

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited program
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Nevada or eligible for reciprocity. Must get their PE in Nevada and South Carolina within 2 months of start date
• Minimum 10 years of experience in high voltage electrical design, preferably in EPC environments
• Advanced proficiency in: 
• Transmission-level load flow and stability using PSSE and PSLF 
• Electromagnetic Transient Simulations using PSCAD, EMTC or similar 
• SEL Relay Settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent 
• Relay coordination and fault studies using ASPEN OneLiner or similar 
• Power system modeling using ETAP, SKM, or similar 
• AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office 
• Preferred proficiency in: 
• Design of HVDC systems and converter station 
• Strong understanding of protection and control systems, SCADA, and substation automation
• Highly motivated, proactive, and detail oriented
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual formats
• Field experience in construction and commissioning of high voltage systems is highly preferred
• A passion for sustainability and making the world a better place!