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System Protection Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

System Protection Engineer II - IV / Principal Engineer Position Type: Full-Time Benefits * Competitive salary based on experience * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with company match

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 ...

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System Protection Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$49.8K

$118.5K

$155.6K

How much do system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for system protection engineer in Texas is $118,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,300.00 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.
Infographic showing various System Protection Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,520 per year, or $57 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

We areseekinga skilled,passionateand dedicated Protection Engineer to join our SEL Engineering Services team.As a Power System Protection Engineer, you willbe responsible forensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, testing, implementing, and effective protection and control schemes. Yourexpertisein relay protection and controls, relay coordination, and power systems will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As aProtection Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Design, develop, and implement protection and control schemes for power systems, including relay protection and control systems.

  • Create protective relay settings for transmission & distribution utilities, substations, and industrial clients.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Work alongside industry-recognized protection experts while developingexpertisein advanced relay technologies, automation systems, transmission protection, and utility modernization initiatives.

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities tovalidatethe functionality and performance of protection schemes.

  • Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

This job might be for you if:

  • You have a B.S.or M.S.degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and relay coordination techniques.

  • You are familiar with relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC/FERC regulations.

  • You have proven experience in designing and implementing protection and control schemes in a utility or industrial setting.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex power system protection challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Possesses,understandsandappliesthe fundamental concepts,practicesand procedures ofpower system protection and related SEL products.

  • Train andassistcustomers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation,commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.

  • Complete and implement assigned work within agreed upon scope,scheduleand budget toa high levelof quality and safety.

  • Participate in the preparation of functional design specifications.

  • Prepare andmaintaindetailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.

  • Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World ClassManufacturing Principles.

  • Understand. Create. Simplify.

  • Other duties as assigned.
    Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline

  • 3+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and protection design practices and philosophies

  • Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control

  • Working knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications

  • Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area

  • Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills

  • Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities

  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

  • Background check results satisfactory to SEL

  • Negative drug testresult(s)


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification

  • Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience

  • Project engineering experience

  • Experience developing ac/dc schematics, single line diagrams, wiring diagrams for protection and control applications

  • Experience developing settings configuration files for SEL devicesusingAcSELeratorQuickSet

Don'tmiss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!

Location Information:

  • Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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