System Protection & Studies Engineer

About the role

The System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer position at HDR Engineering is designed for individuals who can perform engineering tasks with varying levels of complexity. The role involves performing protective relay calculations, conducting coordination studies, developing relay setting files, producing compliance reports, and providing support across different stages of projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points.
• Conduct protective relay coordination studies using short-circuit modeling software.
• Develop relay setting files using relay vendor software.
• Produce relay coordination compliance reports for applicable NERC-PRC standards.
• Develop SCADA point lists.
• Prepare communication settings for protective relays.
• Generate required client protective relay reports.
• Provide support during protective relay construction.
• Offer P&C support with scheme development and design reviews.
• Work independently on tasks and assist senior engineers on larger, more complex projects.
• Travel may be required.
• Collaborate with other substation design disciplines (e.g., P&C design teams).
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license).
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and standard Power Market Sector design software (e.g., PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit).

Qualifications

• Commitment to being an active participant in HDR's employee-owned culture.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in protective relay systems and coordination studies.
• Experience with power market sector design software.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. For example, in Minnesota, the range is $85,260 - $121,800 for full-time regular positions.

Schedule

Full-time.

Business Class

System Protection and Planning.

Job Posting

Jul 15, 2026

Company Beliefs

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.