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Power System Protection Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Pre-construction design and development of the complete power system protection and control by deploying overcurrent protection relays, transformer and bus differential protection relays, and line ...

Pre-construction design and development of the complete power system protection and control by deploying overcurrent protection relays, transformer and bus differential protection relays, and line ...

Pre-construction design and development of the complete power system protection and control by deploying overcurrent protection relays, transformer and bus differential protection relays, and line ...

Senior Power System Engineer

Houston, TX

$90.40K - $123.70K/yr

... and execute advanced power system studies across transmission, distribution, and generation ... Collaborate with protection, planning, and field engineering teams to integrate study results.

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Showing results 1-20

Power System Protection information

See Texas salary details

$14

$25

$39

How much do power system protection jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for power system protection in Texas is $25.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Power System Protection, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a good understanding of power system fundamentals, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard protection relays, SCADA systems, and certifications such as NETA or IEEE are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in diagnosing issues and coordinating with cross-functional teams. These competencies are critical for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficient operation of electrical power systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Power System Protection roles?

Professionals in Power System Protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, managing coordination among diverse protection devices, and ensuring system reliability during maintenance or upgrades. They must also troubleshoot complex faults quickly to minimize downtime and maintain grid stability. Effective collaboration with engineers, field technicians, and control room operators is essential to address these challenges efficiently and ensure the safety and resilience of the electrical grid.

What is power system protection?

Power system protection refers to the practices, equipment, and systems used to detect and isolate faults or abnormal conditions in electrical power systems. The main goal is to protect people, equipment, and ensure reliable power supply by quickly identifying and disconnecting faulty sections of the network. This is typically achieved using devices such as relays, circuit breakers, and protective relaying schemes. Proper power system protection improves safety, minimizes equipment damage, and reduces outage times.

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

AspectPower System ProtectionPower System Maintenance
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing protective relays and systems to prevent damage during faultsRoutine inspection, testing, and repair of electrical equipment to ensure reliability
Required CertificationsElectrical engineering degree, relay protection certificationsElectrical technician certifications, maintenance training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, substations, field testing sitesSubstations, power plants, field service locations
Industry UsagePower generation, transmission, distributionPower plants, substations, industrial facilities

Power System Protection focuses on designing and maintaining systems that detect faults and isolate affected parts to prevent damage, while Power System Maintenance involves routine checks and repairs to ensure overall system reliability. Both roles are essential for a stable and safe power grid but differ in their primary objectives and daily tasks.

Infographic showing various Power System Protection job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,278 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Manager, System Protection Engineering

Global Talent Resources, Inc

League City, TX

$216K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Location(s)

  • Texas City, Texas

Compensation

  • Salary Grade G04: $148,000 at 100% comp ratio with a maximum salary band of $187,000.
  • Potential upgrade to Salary Grade G03 for the right candidate.
  • Salary Grade G03: $172,000 at 100% comp ratio with a maximum salary band of $216,000.
  • Eligible for Annual Incentive Plan.
  • G04 target incentive: 10% with a maximum of 20%.
  • G03 target incentive: 15% with a maximum of 30%.
  • G03 level is eligible for long-term incentive stock awards.
  • Relocation assistance is available.

Position Summary

The Manager, System Protection Engineering role is a leadership opportunity focused on overseeing the strategy, design, compliance, and daily operations of a utility protection engineering team. This position is responsible for managing protection system programs, leading capital infrastructure projects, ensuring NERC compliance, and supporting the safe and reliable operation of electric transmission and distribution systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in system protection, relay coordination, utility operations, and team leadership within the electric utility industry.

Job Function

  • Lead and coordinate engineering work across multiple simultaneous projects.
  • Oversee technical requirements for capital expansion and infrastructure replacement projects.
  • Manage the development and implementation of protection schemes, relay communication, metering, control, station, and line design standards.
  • Ensure compliance with NERC, IEEE, ASTM, NFPA, and other applicable industry standards and regulations.
  • Develop annual performance goals and long-term strategic objectives.
  • Manage capital, O&M, and E&S budgets associated with the department.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for NERC compliance.
  • Recommend updates to engineering and construction standards.
  • Coordinate with System Planning, System Engineering, Power Operations, Distribution Operations, and Maintenance teams.
  • Represent the organization on internal and external engineering and operating committees.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Seven to nine years of related electrical utility experience in protection and controls.
  • Minimum of two years of management experience.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and related experience may be considered.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated expertise in system protection engineering.
  • Strong understanding of telecommunications, metering, substations, and transmission lines.
  • Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple projects within budget and schedule constraints.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
  • Experience with protection engineering software including Aspen OneLiner, Doble, Omicron, Enoserv RTS, SEL, GE, and Novatech systems.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Texas Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • Ability to pass NERC-CIP cyber security background and training requirements.

Benefits

  • Annual Incentive Plan eligibility.
  • Long-term incentive stock awards available for G03 level.
  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact transmission and system protection initiatives.

Appealing Facts About Living in Texas City, Texas

  • Located along the Gulf Coast with easy access to beaches, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
  • Convenient access to both Houston and Galveston for entertainment, dining, and professional opportunities.
  • Affordable cost of living compared to many large metropolitan areas in Texas.
  • Strong industrial and energy sector presence providing long-term career stability.
  • Warm climate with year-round outdoor activities.

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren't listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.