Freemanwhite

Sr Protection & Controls Engineer

Freemanwhite$100K — $130K *
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, preferably in Power Systems or Controls.
  • 8+ years of experience in substation protection and controls design including relay system design.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
  • In-depth knowledge of high-voltage substation protection systems and related standards.
  • Proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD or MicroStation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and review of protection & control systems for substations (15kV–500kV).
  • Oversee creation of detailed design packages including diagrams and construction documentation.
  • Review and approve design documents from internal teams or subcontractors.
  • Develop relay protection philosophies and ensure compliance with client standards.
  • Provide technical oversight on multiple projects ensuring quality and on-time delivery.
  • Collaborate with various engineering disciplines and mentor junior engineers.
  • Support site visits for design verification and commissioning.

Benefits

  • Flexible working arrangements including remote work options.
  • Professional development opportunities including mentorship and training.
  • Collaborative work environment with experienced professionals.
  • Exposure to high-impact projects across various stages, from design to construction.
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in the T&D space.
Full Job Description
Job Description

 

In this role, we are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer to join our growing Substation Protection & Control (P&C) team. In this high-impact role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing, reviewing, and executing the design of protection and control systems for medium to high-voltage substations, supporting utility and transmission clients across the country.

As a technical leader, you’ll collaborate closely with project teams to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable substation designs while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring the highest quality standards are met. You’ll work on a mix of new greenfield substations, brownfield upgrades, and relay replacement programs, from conceptual design through construction support.

 

Your Responsibilities will Include:

  • Lead and review the design of protection & control systems for new and existing substations (15kV–500kV).
  • Develop or oversee the creation of detailed design packages including:
    • One-line & three-line diagrams
    • AC/DC schematic diagrams
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Protection & control schematics
    • I/O assignment and logic diagrams
    • Panel layouts and bills of materials
    • SCADA/RTU communication integration
    • Construction documentation and sequencing
  • Review and approve design documentation produced by internal teams or subcontractors.
  • Develop relay protection philosophies, select appropriate relays, and verify compliance with applicable codes and client standards.
  • Support relay settings development and coordination studies in collaboration with protection engineers.
  • Provide technical oversight on multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring on-time delivery and quality.
  • Collaborate with project managers, drafters, civil/structural engineers, and field personnel.
  • Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers.
  • Support occasional site visits for scoping, design verification, commissioning, or construction coordination.
  • Stay current with industry codes (IEEE, NESC, NEC), utility standards, and emerging technologies in the T&D space.

 

Education & Years of Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), preferably with a Power Systems or Controls concentration, from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in substation protection and controls design, including wiring diagrams, schematics, and relay system design.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.

To Thrive in This Role, You Will Need:

  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • High-voltage substation protection systems
    • SCADA/RTU/telecommunication design and integration
    • Protective relay selection (SEL, GE, ABB, etc.)
    • Applicable standards: IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, NEC, NESC
  • Strong communication skills—both verbal and written. 
  • Experience with relay settings development and coordination studies.
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar design tools.
  • Field commissioning or relay testing experience.
  • Familiarity with IEC 61850 and digital substation technologies.
  • Experience with design for utilities, ISOs, or EPC firms.
  • Project management or proposal development experience.
  • Working knowledge of engineering estimating and scheduling tools.
  • Experience interfacing with client standards and utility-specific design guidelines.

 

Environmental Factors and/or Physical Requirements:

 

While performing the duties of this job, this position is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, and arm, hand and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read application/form information. The associate frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

 

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About Freemanwhite

Freemanwhite is an architecture, engineering, and design firm that provides services to healthcare, science and technology, and higher education clients. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Freemanwhite has completed over 10,000 projects in 49 states and 20 countries. The firm's services include architecture, interior design, engineering, planning, and sustainability consulting. Freemanwhite is committed to sustainable design and has completed over 100 LEED certified projects. The company has received numerous awards for its work, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Healthcare Design Award.
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