Lead Power Systems Protection Engineer

Cushing Terrell; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell seeks a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow its protection practice. You will shape the future of protection engineering while delivering hands-on excellence in substations, distribution, and industrial facilities.

You will guide studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and serve as the technical authority across teams, mentoring staff and expanding capabilities. This high-impact role offers leadership exposure and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years of job-related experience
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code
• Licensed Professional Engineer (or ability to obtain by comity) in the hiring office state
• Advanced knowledge of Electrical Systems Analysis Software packages, ETAP preferred
• Knowledge of Bluebeam, Outlook, and Microsoft Office
• Experience in electrical system design including substations, overhead/underground distribution, and industrial installations with relevant codes
• Ability to learn Cushing Terrell processes and impact on productivity/quality
• Ability to prepare fee proposals, studies and reports related to this role
• Ability to work independently or under supervision of Senior Engineer/Project Manager
• Ability to administer construction contracts and conduct on-site observation and reviews of addendums, substitutions, change orders, and submittals

Responsibilities

• Lead protection studies including short-circuit, load-flow, coordination, grounding, and lightning protection
• Perform power system studies using protection analysis software
• Create protective relay settings and setting files
• Apply NERC-PRC standards to relay coordination and compliance reports
• Develop protection schemes for substations and industrial installations
• Coordinate with P&C design teams
• Maintain knowledge of processes affecting productivity and quality of documents
• Act as Engineer-in-responsible-charge and sign construction documents
• Develop client relationships and participate in project interviews
• Conduct project closeout and quality investigations

Skills

Electrical engineering knowledge

Protection system design

Relay coordination

ETAP

Bluebeam/Office tools

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

Relay vendor software

Bluebeam

Outlook

MS Office

Job description

Cushing Terrell seeks a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow its protection practice. You will shape the future of protection engineering while delivering hands-on excellence in substations, distribution, and industrial facilities.

You will guide studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and serve as the technical authority across teams, mentoring staff and expanding capabilities. This high-impact role offers leadership exposure and growth.