Protection & Control Engineer

About NEEC

National Electrical Engineering Consultants (NEEC) LLC provides complete engineering, commissioning, and field services for utilities and renewable energy developers nationwide. With expertise in Protection & Control (P&C) Substations, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Renewable Integration, NEEC delivers innovative, safe, and reliable electrical solutions that power the nation’s clean energy future.

Position Overview

The Protection & Control (P&C) Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of electrical protection and control systems for high-voltage substations and renewable energy projects. This role ensures the reliable and secure operation of transmission and distribution systems by designing protective relay schemes, control logic, and communication interfaces that meet utility and industry standards. The P&C Engineer works closely with project teams, field personnel, and utility clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions from concept through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop protection and control (P&C) systems for substation and renewable projects, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Prepare relay protection and control logic, control schematics, and interconnection drawings for new and existing substations.
  • Specify and configure protective relays (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, etc.), metering, and communication equipment.
  • Develop and review relay settings and coordination studies using short-circuit and protection coordination software (ETAP, Aspen, CAPE, etc.).
  • Support commissioning and field testing teams by providing technical guidance and reviewing test results.
  • Ensure compliance with NERC, IEEE, IEC, and utility-specific standards for design and protection.
  • Coordinate with civil, structural, and physical electrical teams to integrate protection and control systems into complete substation designs.
  • Prepare as-built documentation, control panel layouts, cable schedules, and bill of materials.
  • Conduct peer reviews and quality checks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of deliverables.
  • Provide technical support to utility clients during design reviews, system upgrades, and fault investigations.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 3-7 years of experience in protection and control system design, preferably within a utility or EPC environment.
  • Strong knowledge of power system protection principles, including overcurrent, differential, distance, and breaker failure schemes.
  • Proficiency with relay configuration software (AcSELerator, Enervista, DIGSI, etc.) and drafting/design tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation).
  • Understanding of SCADA systems, RTUs, and communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850).
  • Familiarity with industry codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NERC, NEC).
  • Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities to coordinate with multi-discipline teams.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with utility-scale renewable projects (Solar + Storage, Wind + BESS).
  • Working knowledge of relay coordination software (ETAP, Aspen OneLiner, or CAPE).
  • Familiarity with commissioning and field testing procedures.
  • PE license or EIT certification preferred.
  • OSHA 10/30 or NFPA 70E training a plus.

Work Environment

This role may include both office-based design work and field support at substations or renewable energy sites. Occasional travel is required to support commissioning, troubleshooting, or client meetings.

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Powering a Sustainable Future Together

National Electrical Engineering Consultants is dedicated to helping Electrical utilities build a stronger, cleaner, and more reliable future. From battery energy storage systems (BESS) to solar and wind integration, and from substation design to protection & control (P&C) services, we provide innovative engineering solutions that drive progress.