Protection Engineer - Hydro & Pumping

Salary: $122,100 - 165,400 per year
Requirements:
We require a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent qualification; a masters degree in Engineering is a plus. We require a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain it within one year. We require at least 4 years of engineering experience; commissioning experience is preferred. We prefer experience preparing or reviewing one-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel elevations, and bills of materials. We prefer on-site commissioning experience in CT/PT wiring injection and verification, protective relay testing, end-to-end relay testing, functional verification of protection schemes, and CT/PT burden or load verification. We prefer experience supporting demolition and construction activities in the field. We prefer experience troubleshooting protection and control schemes. We expect working knowledge of high-voltage substation equipment and medium-voltage electrical apparatus, including station service, MV switchgear, and protective relaying. We prefer experience applying protection engineering practices to transmission lines, buses, transformers, capacitor banks, reactor banks, feeders, generators, motors, and communications-assisted protection schemes. We prefer familiarity with protection and control design standards and with NERC PRC standards. We prefer knowledge of SCADA systems and programming. We prefer knowledge of NEC and the California Electrical Code. We prefer proficiency with SEL AcSELerator Quickset, SEL AcSELerator RTAC, SEL SynchoWAVe, ASPEN OneLiner, GE Enervista UR Setup, EasyPower, ETAP, and AutoCAD. We require proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and experience with Copilot or other generative AI prompting. We expect you to work effectively in dynamic, team-oriented office settings and independently when remote. We value a positive, collaborative mindset and strong contributions to a respectful, team-first culture. We require willingness to travel 20–30% of the time, depending on project needs. We require a valid drivers license and the ability to meet our driving standards. We require permanent authorization to work in the United States.
Responsibilities:
We develop complete design packages for protective relay replacement projects, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring connection diagrams, communication diagrams, and related deliverables. We provide field demolition and construction support, lead on-site commissioning efforts, and handle on-site or remote troubleshooting for protective relay replacement work. We offer technical direction to engineers and technicians. We apply protection system engineering principles across transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communication-assisted protection schemes. We develop relay setting files, update or create calculation worksheet templates, build test plans, and perform protection system event analysis. We create SCADA point lists, RTU programs, HMI screens, meter programs, metering overviews, and calculations. We prepare plans, specifications, and observation reports to ensure accuracy and alignment with sound engineering practice. We apply current engineering methods, procedures, and criteria to complete assigned work. We use efficiency-focused engineering approaches when selecting designs. We recommend design changes that improve quality. We prepare reports and correspondence related to project direction. We communicate and coordinate effectively with clients to support their needs.
Technologies:
AI Copilot Support Excel
More:
We are Ulteig, a purpose-driven engineering organization with more than 80 years of experience building a culture centered on people, our clients and our employees. We are seeking a System Protection Engineer to serve as a technical lead within our Automation, Integration, and System Protection Department, supporting protective relay projects, compliance studies, and broader system protection efforts, primarily for hydroelectric facilities and associated substations. This role is based in California and includes statewide travel, with occasional out-of-state travel, for field support such as site walkdowns, commissioning, troubleshooting, demolition, and construction activities. We offer a flexible workplace, employee ownership, competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, a collaborative environment, and an innovative culture. We support remote, hybrid, and in-office work, and we are committed to helping our team members build balanced, productive workdays while contributing to critical infrastructure across power, renewables, transportation, and water.
last updated 30 week of 2026