Lead Engineer - Substation Protection & Control

Qualus; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualus is seeking a Lead Substation Protection & Control Engineer to design high‑voltage substations, develop relay protection schemes, and mentor junior engineers through project lifecycles from concept to construction. You will collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality, safety, and reliability of critical power systems.

The role emphasizes code-compliant engineering, documentation, and supporting procurement, commissioning, and operations teams across diverse

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in substation physical design engineering.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent document management and organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact professionally with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design substation protection and control systems utilizing applicable codes and client standards (one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and related schematics).
• Develop protective relaying and control system designs for transmission and distribution substations.
• Develop relay protection schemes, relay settings criteria, control philosophies, and associated calculations.
• Create equipment and material specifications for procurement, including design scope and cost estimates.
• Complete conceptual protection and control designs and layouts for new and existing facilities.
• Prepare supporting documentation for procurement, construction, commissioning, and O&M.
• Direct and/or participate in client meetings and site visits to collect or deliver data.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, vendors, and contractors to ensure project execution.
• Lead client meetings and site visits to present solutions and resolve issues.
• Lead QA/QC processes and perform technical reviews of design packages.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and designers, reviewing calculations and drawings.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Multi-project management

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Power your Future with Qualus as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer.

As a Lead Substation P&C Engineer, you’ll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design of high-voltage substations that power communities and critical infrastructure. You'll develop innovative, code-compliant engineering solutions, mentor junior engineers, and help drive technical excellence across complex utility projects. Working closely with clients and across cross-functional teams, you'll influence project success from concept through construction while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, developing others, and making a lasting impact on the future of the electric grid.

Responsibilities

• Design substation protection and control systems utilizing applicable codes and client standards (if available). Typical design to include one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, logic diagrams, functional diagrams, panel layouts, wiring and connection diagrams, interconnection diagrams, communications systems, bill of materials, and SCADA systems.
• Develop protective relaying and control system designs for transmission and distribution substations.
• Develop relay protection schemes, relay settings criteria, control philosophies, and associated engineering calculations.
• Create equipment and material specifications for procurement of engineered equipment, as well as development of design scope and cost estimates.
• Complete conceptual protection and control designs and layouts for new and existing substation facilities.
• Prepare additional support documentation as needed to assist procurement, construction, commissioning, and operation/maintenance of systems being designed.
• Direct and/or participate in client meetings/job site visits to collect or deliver design and engineering data.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, vendors, and contractors to ensure successful project execution and resolution of technical issues.
• Lead and participate in client meetings and job site visits to collect design data, present engineering solutions, resolve technical issues, and support project execution.
• Lead and ensure compliance with the company’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes, including technical review and approval of engineering design packages.
• Provide technical mentorship and oversight to junior engineers and designers, including reviewing calculations, drawings, and specifications to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or a related engineering discipline) from an ABET accredited institution.
• 10+ years of experience in Substation physical design engineering.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent document management and organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact professionally with clients and stakeholders.

Benefits & Compensation

Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.