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System Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SECO Energy

System Protection Engineer

Sumterville, FL · On-site

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 ...

Avista

System Protection Engineer

Spokane, WA · Hybrid

$88K - $186K/yr

August 30, 2026 Performs advanced engineering assignments related to Protective Relaying, Protection Systems, and Substation Integration. Applies specialized technical expertise, company knowledge ...

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for system protection engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a system protection engineer do?

A System Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining protection systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults or abnormal conditions. Their main goal is to ensure the reliability and safety of the power grid by developing protection schemes and coordinating relays and circuit breakers. They also analyze system disturbances, conduct fault studies, and work closely with other engineers to resolve issues and improve system performance. This role is vital in preventing blackouts and minimizing damage to equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system protection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay coordination, often backed by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with power system software such as ETAP, SEL AcSELerator, and experience with protective relays and SCADA systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with operations teams. These competencies ensure the reliable and safe operation of electrical power grids, minimizing system failures and service interruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by system protection engineers in coordinating with operations and maintenance teams?

System Protection Engineers frequently collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure reliable power system performance and quick response to faults. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex relay settings and protection schemes to non-engineering personnel, which requires clear documentation and training. Additionally, coordinating scheduled maintenance or testing without disrupting system reliability can be demanding, especially during peak demand periods. Effective teamwork and proactive planning are essential to overcome these challenges and maintain system integrity.
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System Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

System Protection Engineer

SECO Energy

Sumterville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description
Energize your Career at SECO Energy!
General Purpose of Job
This position is responsible for assisting in the design, creation of relay settings, evaluation of time current coordination curves, project estimation, ordering materials and project management of protective relay, control and metering systems which will ensure substation, SCADA, RTU, reliable operations; provides technical support services for distribution automation, substation and transmission design; demand side management and other corporate communication and technical systems or electrical facilities; provides technical support to field relay technicians. The position will coordinate with various departments to complete underfrequency, conservation voltage reduction, load shed programs, Distribution Automation, and assist in generation resources under SECO management and distribution interconnections.
Minimum Required Qualifications and Competencies
The following includes the minimum job requirements and essential duties for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some job requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Requirements
Education
  • Minimum: 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 state of Florida
  • Job-related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience
  • Minimum: Two (2) years progressively responsible experience in electrical utility operations/SCADA/System Protection and Control or related environment.
  • Preferred: Three (3) plus years progressively responsible experience in electrical utility operations/SCADA/System Protection and Control or related environment.
  • Preferred: Experience or similar work with a distribution electric utility or related industry.

Other Requirements
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer, printers, copy machines, telephone.
  • Ability to work irregular hours for assignment completion and flexibility to change scheduling and report to work on short notice during emergency situations (ie Storm Duty/Emergency Response)
  • A valid Florida driver's license for regular driving privileges of a company vehicle; must have and maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by SECO Energy.
  • Frequent business travel to all areas of service territory required.
  • Normal work hours shall be eight (8) hours between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Successful completion of pre-employment background check, physical and drug screen.

Personal Protective Equipment: Required
Living Requirement
  • To ensure timely response to Call outs, must live within one (1) hour from the assigned reporting location. Employees who live more than one (1) hour from their assigned reporting location must relocate within 6 months of employment.

Driving Requirements
  • Valid Florida Driver's License

Core Competencies
  • Safety: Follows safety procedures diligently, identifies potential hazards, and takes appropriate action to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Member Commitment: Provides exceptional service to members, actively listening to their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
  • Honesty & Integrity: Acts with honesty and integrity in all tasks, maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
  • Work Ethic: Demonstrates a strong work ethic by consistently meeting deadlines and achieving high performance in all tasks.
  • Inclusive Culture: Contributes to an inclusive culture by respecting and valuing diverse perspectives and collaborating effectively with all team members.
  • Accountability: Takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring they meet commitments and deliver high-quality work.
  • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with team members, sharing information and supporting collective goals.

Job Specific Competencies
  • System Protection & Power Engineering Competencies: Applies electrical circuit analysis, transmission system principles, fuse coordination, and power system protection methodologies to the design, analysis, and maintenance of protection schemes. Demonstrates knowledge of protection and control systems for substations, power system metering, and distribution automation. Demonstrates familiarity with protection equipment from multiple manufacturers for substation and transmission line applications.
  • Protection Systems, Automation & SCADA Integration: Applies and develops proficiency in SEL AcSELerator software and protection system configuration tools. Demonstrates the ability to interface substation Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) with SCADA RTUs. Applies substation and distribution automation communication concepts to protection system and control implementations.
  • Engineering Tools & Technical Software: Applies AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design software to develop and maintain engineering drawings. Demonstrates proficiency in personal computer operation and Microsoft Office applications. Acquires and applies skills in applicable corporate engineering, analysis, and protection software systems.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Applies working knowledge of NESC and OSHA rules to ensure protection system designs and field activities comply with safety and regulatory standards. Demonstrates adherence to safety practices and regulatory requirements when supporting substation and transmission protection work.
  • Project Management & Work Execution: Applies project management techniques and procedures to plan, coordinate, and support system protection engineering projects. Applies planning, organizational, and time-management skills to manage multiple priorities and meet engineering schedules and deadlines. Demonstrates the ability to work independently and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Communication & Stakeholder Collaboration: Communicates effectively through written, verbal, and listening skills when working with engineers, managers, subcontractors, and government or regulatory agencies. Communicates technical information clearly and concisely in reports, correspondence, and collaborative discussions. Reads, analyzes, and interprets technical manuals, standards, and engineering documentation to support protection engineering decisions.
  • Professional Judgment, Confidentiality & Resilience: Exercises sound judgment, technical reasoning, and discretion when making independent engineering decisions within assigned authority. Maintains confidential and sensitive information in accordance with organizational standards. Demonstrates adaptability, composure, and effectiveness when managing stress, pressure, and changing priorities.
  • Language Proficiency: Communicates effectively in English as the primary business language. Demonstrates Spanish language capability when beneficial to field coordination, safety, or operational effectiveness.

Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
System Protection Analysis & Coordination
  • Assist in the implementation of system protection philosophies and standards.
  • Perform coordination studies and specify overcurrent protective devices.
  • Analyze station and system events to identify root causes and support mitigation strategies to prevent or reduce future outages.

Substation & Distribution Automation Design
  • Design substation and distribution system automation facilities.
  • Provide design upgrades and engineering support for SCADA systems.
  • Support the integration of protection, control, and automation systems within substations and distribution facilities.

Relay Engineering & Protection Settings
  • Develop proficiency in relay specifications and protection schemes.
  • Perform accurate and timely relay calibration and relay setting calculations for transmission and substation facilities.
  • Support the application and validation of relay settings in coordination with system requirements.

Engineering Design & Documentation
  • Perform engineering design for new facilities and upgrades to existing substations, switching stations, and capacitor stations.
  • Complete AutoCAD drawings, conduit schedules, cable schedules, and bills of materials for assigned projects.
  • Maintain complete, accurate, and organized documentation for assigned substation and protection projects.
  • Review designs and construction projects with engineering, operations, and construction personnel to ensure alignment and understanding.

Project Planning, Scheduling & Cost Estimation
  • Prepare cost estimates for assigned substation and system protection projects.
  • Plan, schedule, and monitor projects to meet projected in-service dates.
  • Coordinate project activities to support timely and efficient execution.

Field Support & Technical Collaboration
  • Provide technical support to field relay technicians during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Collaborate with internal engineering staff and field personnel to resolve technical issues and support system reliability.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by or those an employee encounters to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. (This paragraph remains)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
This position has general sedentary office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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