Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Kalispell, MT

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow our firm’s capabilities in power system protection. As the go-to expert in this space, you will shape the future of our protection practice while delivering hands-on engineering excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design, analysis, and implementation of protection schemes for substations, distribution systems, and industrial facilities
• Perform system studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and review designs for accuracy and code compliance
• Serve as the technical authority for other teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support
• Help expand and develop the firm’s protection capabilities, including building and mentoring a growing team
• Collaborate across disciplines on sustainable, impactful projects, influencing both technical direction and firm strategy

This is a high-impact, hands-on role that offers professional growth, exposure to leadership, and the opportunity to build and lead a critical, high-demand specialty within the firm.

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher education in Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years of job-related experience
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code
• Licensed Professional Engineer (or ability to obtain by comity) in the state of the hiring Cushing Terrell office
• Advanced knowledge of one or more Electrical Systems Analysis Software packages, ETAP preferred
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam, Outlook, and Microsoft Office
• Proven record of technical competence in areas of electrical system design including but not limited to electrical substations, overhead and underground distribution, and industrial installations, with applicable codes and regulations
• Develop working knowledge of Cushing Terrell’s process and issues affecting productivity and quality control
• Ability to prepare fee proposals, various studies and reports in relation to essential functions listed below
• Work independently or under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer or Project Manager
• Ability to administer construction contracts and conduct ‘on-site’ observation of work during construction to monitor plan compliance, including administration and review of addendums, substitutions, change orders, and submittals

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don’t want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

• Perform various studies including short-circuit, load-flow, coordination, grounding, lightning protection, and others as required
• Perform power system studies utilizing one or more power systems analysis software packages
• Produce protective relay settings and setting files utilizing relay vendor software
• Apply NERC-PRC standards to relay coordination and produce applicable compliance reports
• Develop protection schemes for substations & industrial installations
• Coordinate with other substation design disciplines (i.e., P&C design teams)
• Maintain a working knowledge of processes and issues affecting productivity and quality of contract documents and reports
• Act as Engineer-in-responsible-charge, including making technical decisions in their respective field, reviewing, stamping, and signing construction documents
• Develop positive external and internal client relationships and participate in project interviews for firm-wide projects
• Conduct project closeout and quality measurement investigation

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, “design meets you.” Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CushingTerrell_Benefits-Guide_2025.pdf

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.