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System Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ulteig

Lead System Protection Engineer

The Lead System Protection Engineer acts as a technical leader and is responsible for the full scope of the design, development, and implementation of protective relay settings and coordination ...

Ulteig

Senior System Protection Engineer

Fargo, ND · On-site +1

$141K - $184K/yr

The Opportunity Ulteig is seeking a Senior System Protection Engineer to serve as a technical leader responsible for the full scope of design, development, and implementation of protective relay ...

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System Protection Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

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.
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System Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Power System Protection Engineer

Power System Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Lewis Center, OH • On-site

$85K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 142 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL), our mission is to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. Our company prides itself on embracing the values of quality, reliability, integrity, and excellent customer service. We were named as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials and among the top Best Workplaces for Baby Boomers. Working at SEL means having the opportunity to explore different career options - from customer service, sales, technical support, to management. We encourage professional development because when you are your best, that is when we are our best. So, what do you say? Ready to take the next step?

As a Power System Protection Engineer, you will be responsible for providing expert technical support and solutions for power system protection schemes. Your role will involve teaching, advising, and supporting customers to ensure the reliability and safety of power grids.

As a Power System Protection Engineer, a typical day might include:

  • Providing guidance to customers on how to apply new technologies or solutions to their power system that help solve real problems
  • Designing demonstrations of new technology or solutions for customers to teach them how this technology/solution will enhance (add value to) their system(s)
  • Supporting SEL protection product questions and helping to perform troubleshooting guidance to get to the root cause of any problem
  • Analyzing responses of protective relays to power system faults
  • Teaching customers how to use SEL products or how protective relays protect primary electrical equipment
  • Contributing to and reviewing white papers, application guides, industry journals, and technical papers.
  • Providing product feedback and/or input to internal Research and Development teams to help improve product functions and features
  • Collaborating with other engineers to share knowledge regarding applications, best practices, and process improvement ideas.

This role might be for you if you...

  • Desire to learn how the power system responds to system faults and how protective relays detect that.
  • Desire to be involved in the cutting-edge technology of protective relaying.
  • Have a passion for teaching others for their growth and for yours.
  • Enjoy applying creativity to your engineering solutions every day.
  • Enjoy every day being different versus every day being predictable.

We are looking for someone with the following qualifications and abilities:

  • A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with power system protection and relays.
  • Relevant work experience and knowledge of utility and/or industrial power systems with an emphasis on protection, control, and operations.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and others within the team.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to learn new technologies.
  • The ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • The ability to travel 25%.

Location

We are open to this position being located in Louisville, KY or Lewis Center, OH.

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

$85,000 - $170,400 per year. Our pay ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

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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