Lead System Protection Engineer
About the role
The Lead System Protection Engineer serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the development and QA/QC of the tasks enumerated below. The role reports directly to the Renewables Substation Engineering Manager – P&C and may have one or more direct reports.
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
- 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:
- P&C Drawing Packages
- One-Lines, 3 Lines, AC/DC Schematics, I/O Tables, Vendor Drawings
- SCADA Packages
- Points Lists and Data Maps
- SCADA and Communications Specification
- SCADA and Communications Equipment and Programming
- Technical Support Equipment Specification & Procurement Support
- Construction Support (Remote)
- Testing and Commissioning Support
- Troubleshooting Assistance
- Event Analysis
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Prioritization.
- Planning.
- Conflict management.
- Informing.
- Listening.
- Dealing with ambiguity.
- Customer focus.
About Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve. Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do. We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work. Join us in creating a better world. In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide. Salary Description $145,000 - $185,000