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Power System Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning ...

The System Protection Engineer acts as a technical leader and is responsible for the full scope of ... IEEE Power System Relaying and Control Committee membership is a plus * Proficient with substation ...

Four (4) year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in power system analysis, system protection and relay maintenance * Preferred: Registered Professional Engineer in the ...

Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid About ETAP ETAP is the world's leading provider of power system modeling, analysis, and real-time ...

Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid About ETAP ETAP is the world's leading provider of power system modeling, analysis, and real-time ...

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Power System Protection Engineer information

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$56K

$117.7K

$179.5K

How much do power system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection engineer in the United States is $117,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power System Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay coordination, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as ETAP, SEL AcSELerator, and knowledge of IEC and IEEE standards is crucial, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are important to ensure reliable and safe operation of electrical grids, prevent outages, and maintain system integrity.

What are the most common challenges faced by Power System Protection Engineers in utility environments?

Power System Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new protection technologies with existing infrastructure, managing the complexity of coordinating protection settings across multiple substations, and ensuring system reliability during maintenance or upgrades. They must also stay current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity requirements. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and IT teams is essential to address these challenges and maintain the integrity and safety of the power grid.

What does a Power System Protection Engineer do?

A Power System Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that protect electrical power grids from faults and failures. Their work ensures the safe and reliable operation of electrical networks by detecting abnormal conditions, such as short circuits or overloads, and triggering protective devices like circuit breakers. They also analyze system performance, develop protection schemes, and coordinate with other engineers to minimize service disruptions. This role is crucial for preventing equipment damage, reducing downtime, and ensuring safety for both personnel and the public.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Engineer vs Power System Engineer?

AspectPower System Protection EngineerPower System Engineer
CertificationsPE, IEEE, or equivalentPE, IEEE, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFocus on protection schemes, relay settings, and fault analysisDesign, analyze, and operate power systems broadly
Industry UsageSpecialized in protection systems within utilities and industrial plantsBroader power system design and operation roles

Power System Protection Engineers specialize in designing and maintaining protection schemes to ensure system safety, while Power System Engineers work on overall system design, analysis, and operation. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their focus areas differ significantly.

More about Power System Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Power System Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Power System Protection Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Power System Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Power System Protection Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Power Systems Protection Engineer

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Rosendin

Pflugerville, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Rosendin Electric rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 77 rated construction


Job description

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career growth at Rosendin. Enjoy a true sense of ownership as you work with a proven industry leader on some of the most exciting and high-profile projects in the nation. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, competitive compensation, full benefits, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and more.

Why Rosendin?Committed. Innovative. Engaged.

If you're looking to take your career to the next level and work with some of the best and brightest in the industry, we want to hear from you. Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the communities where we live and work. We are an organization built on integrity and we have a culture that empowers people, embraces diversity, and inspires everyone to do their best. As one of the largest EMPLOYEE-OWNED electrical contractors in the United States, you will have the unique benefit of being a shareholder at a company that is experiencing tremendous growth and success. When our people succeed and fuel our success, we reward them. We'd love to have you as a shareholder!

YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY:

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning, and testing of protection systems for electrical power networks. This role focuses on designing and applying protection strategies for medium and high-voltage systems serving mission critical, commercial, and industrial facilities. The position requires advanced technical expertise, the ability to work independently on complex protection challenges, and the capability to mentor and train other engineering staff.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Design, specification, setting calculation, and coordination of protective relaying and relay control schemes.

  • Develop protection schemes and relay settings for electrical equipment, including transformers, generators, transmission lines, feeders, and buses, in accordance with client requirements and system specifications.

  • Develop and configure protection relay settings, including overcurrent, differential, distance and backup protection relays.

  • Perform coordination studies to ensure proper relay operation and minimize system downtime during fault conditions.

  • Use power system modeling tools (e.g. ETAP, SKM, CAPE, ASPEN) to simulate and analyze protection systems, fault scenarios, and equipment ratings.

  • Conduct studies such as fault analysis, short circuit, AC and DC arc flash and harmonics studies.

  • Support field testing, commissioning, and validation of protection relays and control systems to ensure proper operation and compliance with project requirements.

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot relay protection issues, perform root cause analysis, and develop corrective actions for mis-operations or unexpected trips.

  • Collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure the successful implementation of protection systems.

  • Prepare technical documentation, including relay settings, test reports, system protection studies, and coordination diagrams.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., IEEE, IEC, NEC, NFPA 70E, NERC).

  • Act as a proactive technical leader, guiding project teams, solving complex protection challenges, and supporting project execution across all phases from design through commissioning.

WHAT YOU BRING TO US:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with a power systems focus.

  • 6+ years relevant application experience in protection and relay settings for electric power systems supporting mission critical infrastructure, commercial and industrial facilities and substations.

  • A U.S.-based Professional Engineer (PE) registration is required.

  • High proficiency with power system modeling tools such as ETAP, SKM, ASPEN, and CAPE.

  • Applied knowledge and experience of Power system Protection on: Overcurrent / Over-Undervoltage, Transformer Differential, High and Low Impedance Busbar Differential, Generator Protection, Motor Protection, and Medium/High Voltage Line Differential and Distance Protection.

  • Strong experience developing protection schemes and relay settings for redundant power architectures supporting data centers and other mission critical facilities.

  • High proficiency in relay settings development and programming for SEL, Siemens, and GE protective relays.

  • Experience developing and managing relay settings files using vendor software such as SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, or equivalent.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams.

  • Strong leadership, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.

  • Strong computer skills with the ability to identify and apply appropriate software tools to support complex engineering analysis.

  • Proven ability to manage

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
  • Advanced experience using Mathcad and Microsoft Excel for developing protective setting calculation sheets.

  • Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards, particularly PRC-019/023/024/025/026/027

  • Experience with commonly utilized communication protocols (DNP, SEL, MMS, Modbus, etc).

  • Working Knowledge of IEC 61850 (GOOSE, MMS, SV) and its application in modern substations and mission critical facilities.

  • Experience designing and supporting protection systems for redundant power topologies (e.g., N, N+1, 2N) common to data center electrical systems.

  • Proven ability to lead small to mid-size projects, including management of schedules, budgets, staffing, and technical execution.

  • Experience supporting proposal development including scope of work, level of work, engineering estimates, and schedule.

  • •Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated interest in training and developing early career engineers.

  • Demonstrated success managing complex protection engineering tasks within multidisciplinary, fast-paced project environments.

TRAVEL:
  • Up to 50% (Does not include local field visits)

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions, such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning

  • Noise level is usually low to medium

  • Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.

  • We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions.

YOU Matter - Our Benefits
  • ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership

  • 401K

  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement

  • 17 PTO days per year plus 10 paid holidays

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

  • Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance

  • Disability Income Protection Insurance

  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)

  • Charitable Giving Match with our Rosendin Foundation

Our success is rooted in our people. We all come together around long-term vision and a sense of shared ownership. As a group, we do whatever it takes to ensure the success of our business and your career.

Rosendin Electric is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.


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