Senior Power Engineer – Protection & Control

Job description

Position Title: Senior Power Engineer – Protection & Control Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States SALARY DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates. JOB SUMMARY DLB is expanding its protection and control engineering services and is seeking a Senior Power Engineer -- Protection & Control to support and help grow this practice. This role is responsible for the engineering delivery of protection and control systems for medium- and high-voltage substations, generation interconnections, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), microgrid, and other inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnections across utility, renewable, data center, and industrial markets. The Senior Power Engineer – Protection & Control will provide detailed P&C design execution, relay settings development, and technical quality support. This position is hands-on, blending detailed relay coordination, protection philosophy development, and P&C drawing production with quality-focused delivery. The Senior Power Engineer – Protection & Control works with a high degree of independence on day-to-day work and receives general direction on new projects, tasks, or assignments. Will execute projects, tasks, or assignments of complex scope and may coordinate activities of other personnel. The Senior Power Engineer – Protection & Control will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Protection & Control Engineering (40%) Serve as a senior engineering contributor for P&C projects, performing advanced engineering work with general oversight. Perform detailed protection and control design for AIS and GIS substations, generation interconnections, BESS, microgrid, and other IBR interconnection facilities, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, utility requirements, industry standards, codes, and regulations Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate protection and control designs into complete substation and interconnection packages, coordinating with physical electrical, civil, and project management disciplines Support technical scoping, design, and utility coordination for protection and control systems including protection philosophy development, relay selection and settings, and compliance with IEEE 1547 / IEEE 2800 for utility-scale solar (PV), wind, BESS, microgrid, and other IBR projects Contribute to engineering approaches, design standards, and technical risk management. Support project delivery as engineer of record (or in support of EOR), contributing to technical accuracy, constructability, and code compliance. Apply and help maintain engineering standards, design criteria, and quality expectations for protection and control work. Protection & Control Design Activities (25%) Independently perform detailed P&C design for: Protection philosophy documents and protection system design reports Three-line (elementary) diagrams and AC/DC schematic drawings Relay panel wiring diagrams, internal wiring schedules, and terminal block layouts Communication and SCADA block diagrams and interface documents Control house relay panel physical arrangements and interior layouts Relay settings files for SEL and other relay platforms (OV/UV, OF/UF, distance, directional overcurrent, bus differential, transformer differential) Anti-islanding and transfer trip scheme design and documentation for BESS, microgrid, and IBR interconnections DC system design including battery, charger, and DC distribution panel sizing BESS/microgrid interconnection one-lines, protection & control schemes, and coordination with BESS vendor BMS and inverter protection Develop and review equipment specifications for protective relays, communications equipment, control panels, RTUs, and SCADA/EMS systems Perform and/or support protection coordination studies, short-circuit studies, and arc flash studies (IEEE 1584) using ASPEN, ETAP, SKM, or equivalent tools Develop relay settings packages for transmission and distribution protection applications and support relay settings submission and utility review coordination Perform complex engineering studies with general guidance Perform and/or support short-circuit, harmonic (IEEE 519), power flow, and EMT/transient (e.g., PSCAD or equivalent) studies, including fault and dynamic contribution from BESS and other inverter-based resources Support interconnection application processes and LGIA/SGIA coordination with utilities, developers, and BESS vendors Ensure compliance with applicable standards (NESC, IEEE, NERC reliability standards) and utility protection requirements while identifying and helping resolve technical conflicts Utilize AutoCAD and/or MicroStation for P&C drawing production Support timely and effective coordination of the project design team, including resource forecasting Identify potential project scope changes and aid in development of strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines Project Execution / Pre-Construction / Client Interface (25%) Support execution of the firm's client value system and help assure that the project is executed in accordance with company policies and standards Work closely with clients to understand their specific project requirements, provide technical insights, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle Support resolution of design, construction, and field issues, escalating to leadership when business or contractual risk requires involvement. Support construction, testing, commissioning, and energization through RFIs, field engineering, and technical troubleshooting. Support or lead relay testing and commissioning activities using OMICRON, Doble, or equivalent test equipment for factory acceptance testing and field commissioning. Participate in technical reviews, design meetings, and client presentations. Prepare project design and construction documents Reporting (10%) Prepare project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders Update and maintain shop drawing and RFI log Manage personal hours using company tools Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency Identify opportunities and leverage technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes. Support adoption of emerging technologies – including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms – to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity. Support a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability. Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned. POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING) Knowledge of protection and control systems for medium- and high-voltage substations, generation interconnections, and BESS/IBR facilities including protection philosophy development, relay selection, and protective relay coordination Strong hands-on knowledge of protective relay platforms (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, or equivalent), including relay settings development, coordination studies, and field commissioning Strong working knowledge of applicable electrical codes and standards, specifically NESC, NEC, ANSI, IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800 (interconnection of inverter-based resources), IEEE 1584 (arc flash), IEEE 519 (harmonics), and NERC reliability standards (PRC series), with ability to apply requirements through code analysis and system design Knowledge of power systems engineering / design software including protection coordination and short-circuit study tools (ASPEN, ETAP, SKM, or equivalent) Working knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), microgrids, and inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection requirements, including protection coordination, anti-islanding/transfer trip schemes, and utility interconnection processes (LGIA/SGIA) Knowledge of DC system design including battery and charger sizing for substation control systems Familiarity with SCADA, RTU, and communication protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850, Modbus) for substation automation and control Experience with relay testing equipment (OMICRON, Doble, or equivalent) for factory acceptance testing and field commissioning Knowledge of various electrical topologies and distribution systems Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management Highly organized with strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines under pressure. Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation. Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace Ability to follow company and site safety requirements Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences and serve as a client-facing point of contact. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is Frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Frequently moving through office, facility, and other environments. On occasion, may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS Up to 20%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering (or actively pursuing). 10+ years of progressive protection and control engineering experience in substation, generation interconnection, or energy storage applications (8+ years preferred). Hands-on relay settings development experience on SEL or equivalent relay platforms, including utility-submitted settings packages. Experience producing P&C drawing packages including three-line (elementary) diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and relay panel layouts. Direct experience navigating LGIA/SGIA processes and utility protection and interconnection requirements. Experience working with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and/or owner engineering teams on utility, renewable energy (solar PV, wind, BESS), data center, or industrial protection and control projects. Preferred / Strong Plus Direct experience with BESS, microgrid, or IBR interconnection protection design including anti-islanding and transfer trip scheme design and utility submission. Working knowledge of IEEE 2800 and/or IEEE 1547 interconnection standards for inverter-based resources. IEC 61850 substation automation, GOOSE messaging, and sampled values experience. NERC PRC reliability standard experience (PRC-002, PRC-024, PRC-025, etc.). Experience with bus differential protection design (SEL-487B or equivalent). Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation experience using PSCAD or equivalent tool. Relay commissioning and factory/site acceptance testing experience using OMICRON CMC or Doble equipment. Benefits DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option) Flex spending accounts (FSA) Dental and vision plans Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance Paid parental leave after one year of employment CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​ ​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience. Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.