AC/DC Microgrid Protection Engineer

Delta Electronics Americas; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Delta Electronics Americas is seeking an AC/DC Microgrid Protection Engineer responsible for designing, coordinating, and validating protection systems for AC and DC microgrid architectures. The role includes ensuring safety and stability across grid-connected and islanded modes.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, 5–10+ years of relevant experience, and knowledge of relay protection principles. You will collaborate with various teams and may travel up to 15% of the time.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in power system protection or microgrid engineering.
• Strong knowledge of relay protection principles and coordination.
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD, RTDS, or OPAL-RT preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate protection schemes for AC and DC microgrids.
• Define protection philosophy including selectivity, sensitivity, and coordination.
• Design fault detection logic for low-current, high-impedance, and converter-dominated systems.

Skills

Power system protection

Microgrid engineering

Relay protection principles

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

ETAP

SKM

PSCAD

EMTP

OMICRON

Job description

AC/DC Microgrid Protection Engineer

ROLE SUMMARY

Responsible for design, coordination, and validation of protection systems for AC and DC microgrid architectures, including ESS, PCS, transformers, feeders, and critical loads. Ensures safe, selective, and stable fault response across grid‑connected and islanded modes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and coordinate protection schemes for AC and DC microgrids (overcurrent, differential, distance, ground, and converter‑limited faults)
• Define protection philosophy including selectivity, sensitivity, and coordination with inverter‑based resources
• Design fault detection logic for low‑current, high‑impedance, and converter‑dominated systems
• Perform short circuit, arc flash, and protection coordination studies (ETAP, SKM, or equivalent)
• Validate protection performance under transient conditions using EMT tools (PSCAD, EMTP, RTDS)
• Coordinate protection with control systems (EMS, PCS, relays) including trip logic and fallback modes
• Support commissioning, relay testing (OMICRON), and field troubleshooting
• Develop protection settings, relay logic diagrams, and sequence of operation documentation
• Ensure compliance with IEEE 1547, NEC, NFPA 855, and utility interconnection requirements
• Collaborate with control, SCADA, and hardware teams to define system boundaries and control ownership

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 5–10+ years of experience in power system protection or microgrid engineering
• Strong knowledge of relay protection principles and coordination
• Experience with ETAP, SKM, ASPEN, or equivalent tools
• Understanding of inverter‑based resource behavior and grid‑forming/grid‑following systems
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD, RTDS, or OPAL‑RT preferred)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with IEC 61850, DNP3, and industrial communication protocols
• Familiarity with C&I and data center microgrid applications preferred
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and system‑level thinking skills
• Ability to work across cross‑functional engineering teams
• Effective communication and documentation skills
• Professional working proficiency in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Strong technical leadership without formal line authority.
• Ability to work across global teams and time zones.
• Ability to travel up to 15%, including international travel, as required.