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 (BSEE) with Power Systems or Controls concentration from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 8+ years of experience in substation protection and controls design, specifically wiring diagrams and relay system design.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Deep expertise in high-voltage substation protection systems and related standards.
  • Proficient in design software such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design of protection & control systems for substations from 15kV to 500kV.
  • Develop detailed design packages including diagrams and construction documents.
  • Review and approve design documentation from teams and subcontractors.
  • Establish relay protection philosophies and ensure compliance with standards.
  • Support relay settings development and coordination studies.
  • Provide technical oversight on multiple projects to ensure quality and timeliness.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth.

Benefits

  • Collaboration with a dynamic and experienced team across the country.
  • Opportunity for impactful mentorship and professional development.
  • Engagement in high-visibility projects with utility and transmission clients.
  • Diverse and challenging work environments including new and upgrade substations.
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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