Remote Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Washington

The ROC Team Lead is the senior technical operator within ESS's Remote Operations Center, reporting to the Engineering & ROC Manager. This role combines hands-on solar fleet monitoring across 900+ MW of distributed generation assets with day-to-day coordination of the ROC analyst team. The Team Lead owns shift scheduling, escalation workflows, and quality standards for the ROC's monitoring and dispatch operations. This is a working leadership role, the Team Lead carries a monitoring load while coaching junior analysts and driving process improvement.

Team Leadership

• Coordinate daily ROC operations including shift handoffs, task prioritization, and workload distribution across the analyst team.
• Mentor and develop junior Operations Analysts on monitoring best practices, alert triage, and escalation procedures.
• Own the ROC shift schedule, including weekend monitoring coverage, and ensure adequate staffing for all operational windows.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex or ambiguous alerts before routing to Engineering.
• Lead development and maintenance of ROC standard operating procedures, escalation matrices, and training materials.

Technical Operations

• Closely monitor and analyze day-to-day performance data for ESS's distributed solar portfolio to identify equipment outages and underperformance.
• Identify and collect fault information and communicate effectively with field technicians, Manager, and clients to initiate service tickets.
• Respond to alerts generated by DAS monitoring platforms and SCADA systems and notify the appropriate parties within set response times.
• Serve as a point of contact for field technicians, utilities, and other personnel onsite.
• Responsible for maintaining operational availability metrics for each solar facility.
• Aid field technicians with system troubleshooting and identify problems to be escalated to the Engineering & ROC Manager.
• Conduct monthly performance analysis and report to clients.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot DAS/SCADA problems.
• Onboard new solar sites into the appropriate monitoring platforms, including VPN configuration, tracker system integration, and platform setup.
• Conduct remote equipment operations with high sensitivity to the safety and integrity of personnel and equipment.
• Create and maintain documentation to effectively support the operating fleet. This may include operating procedures, turnover documentation, work instructions, etc.
• Work a weekday schedule with responsibility for coordinating and periodically anchoring rotating weekend monitoring coverage (4-hour shifts on Saturday and/or Sunday).
• Perform initial review and triage of protective relay event files (SEL); escalate complex events to Engineering per established procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience in solar PV fleet monitoring or remote operations, with distributed generation (C&I, community solar) strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, electrical engineering preferred. Equivalent experience in solar operations will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Established experience with commercial DAS/monitoring platforms (e.g., Also Energy, Power Factors, SolarEdge), SCADA systems, and network communications.
• Knowledge of protective relay settings and event analysis (SEL experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, or lead technical team members. Prior team lead or shift supervisor experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency with CMMS software (ESS uses Salesforce)
• Ability to work independently, prioritize across competing demands, and delegate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with distributed generation portfolios (community solar, C&I rooftop, ground mount) across multiple states.
• Experience in reading one-line, and three-line electrical drawings.
• Familiarity with field service reporting platforms.
• Experience with solar fleet onboarding, including VPN setup, tracker integration, and monitoring platform configuration.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we're leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we've successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers.But there's more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority.At New Energy Equity, you'll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together. With over 250 projects across the U.S., our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamicand a fun, fulfilling career path.Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document's preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com