10+ years of experience in high voltage substation design
PE License in at least one state
Proficient in ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP, PowerFactory, or similar software
Familiar with NERC PRC Requirements and NEC
Knowledge of substations' industry and technology trends
Responsibilities
Develop protection and control specifications for substations
Conduct relay settings calculations and system modeling studies
Coordinate design consistency across multiple disciplines
Provide technical support during equipment procurement and construction
Mentor and train junior professionals in system protection
Review and ensure high-quality standards through QA/QC processes
Communicate project status and client concerns to team members
Benefits
Professional development opportunities
Diverse project involvement
Collaborative work environment
Supportive team culture
Remote support for construction activities
Full Job Description
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Lead System Protection Engineer
Westwood Professional Services
Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Lead System Protection Engineer to join our Renewables Substation team. The Lead System Protection Engineer serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the development and QA/QC of the tasks enumerated below. The Lead System Protection Engineer reports directly to the Renewables Substation Engineering Manager - P&C and may have one or more direct reports. He/she will also work with other internal and external project stakeholders to ensure project milestones and expectations of contracted services are met.
Responsibilities:
Performs all system protection and communication design aspects for high voltage (4kV - 230kV) and EHV (above 230kV) substation projects to include:
Development of:
Protection and Control Specifications
Relay Settings Calculations
System Modelling
Short Circuit
Coordination Studies
Arc Flash
Relay Settings Files
Set points
I/O mapping and Logic Functions
Communication Settings
Digital Fault Recorders
Points List and Trigger Values
Configuration Files
Coordination and Cross-Check with other disciplines for consistency in design:
SCADA and Communications Equipment and Programming
Technical Support:
Equipment Specification & Procurement Support
Construction Support (Remote)
Testing and Commissioning Support
Troubleshooting Assistance
Event Analysis
Other Expectations:
The person in this role will serve as the technical lead (SME) for all System Protection tasks and deliverables outlined above.
Mentoring and training less experienced professionals including top graduates entering the field of system protection.
Maintaining high-quality standards by ensuring team's adherence to QA/QC processes and providing feedback for continuous improvement.
Working on diverse projects for different clients, with different utility interconnections, in different areas of the country - with or without settings templates and/or standards.
Assisting with identification of key client interests and drivers and may determine the key clients in some instances.
Communicating client interests and drivers to project team members and developing approaches to accommodate these concerns in the performance of the work.
Attending regular meetings with management to advise on any risks, mitigants, process improvements, and/or team needs to maximize ROI for the group.
Attending all client technical review meetings.
Directing and assigning tasks to team members to support milestone deliverables for system protection / relay settings projects.
Reviewing work (QA/QC) performed by others.
Evaluating and improving the Westwood System Protection Standards and Best Practices philosophies on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized accredited program.
Minimum of 10 years related work experience in the field of high voltage substation design - System Protection and Relay Settings.
PE License in at least one state; multiple states preferred.
Proficient in use of ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP, PowerFactory, CYME Dist, or similar programs.
Strong familiarity with NERC PRC Requirements, including but not limited to:
PRC-019
PRC-024
PRC-025
PRC-027
PRC-028
PRC-029
PRC-030
Strong familiarity with the NEC and National Electrical Safety Code.
Good knowledge of industry and technology trends specific to substations.
Familiarity with SEL family of relays and associated software for programming and analysis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with settings development and associated tasks for large scale, transmission interconnected Renewable Energy Generation Projects (Wind, Solar, BESS).
Experience with settings development and associated tasks for large scale Load Interconnections (Datacenters, for example).
Proficient with wind and solar farm SCADA and Network Requirements and associated designs.
Proficient in load flow and reactive compensation studies.
Working knowledge of scheduling and project controls processes.
Previous project team leadership experience.
Previous experience as a direct supervisor.
Preferred Interpersonal Skills:
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Driven for results.
Decision quality.
Priority setting.
Planning.
Conflict management.
Informing.
Listening.
Dealing with ambiguity.
Customer focus.
Salary Description
$145,000 - $185,000
About Westwood Professional Services
Westwood Professional Services is a multi-disciplined surveying and engineering firm that provides services for residential and commercial development, wind and solar energy, power delivery, and oil and gas pipeline projects. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Westwood has over 500 employees and operates in several states across the United States.
