Lead Protection & Control Engineer

FindTalent; Fort Mill (SC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Carolina is seeking an experienced Lead Protection & Control Engineer to oversee the design and implementation of protective relay systems for high-voltage projects. The role requires strong expertise in substation protection, team leadership, and a PE license. Join us to lead critical projects and advance your career in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in protection and control within the utility or consulting sector.
• Strong expertise in substation protection philosophies, relay logic, and power system studies.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.
• Perform and review system studies including load flow and short-circuit analysis.
• Develop, implement, and validate protective relay settings.

Skills

Substation protection schemes

Relay settings and programming

Grounding and fault studies

Commissioning support

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Active Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoCAD Electrical

Bluebeam

Power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, ASPEN, or CYME)

Relay setting software (e.g., AcSELerator, DIGSI, SEL Compass)

Job description

FindTalent is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team onsite in South Carolina. This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for substations and high‑voltage transmission projects. As a senior technical leader, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards, and mentoring a team of engineers.

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in substation protection schemes, relay settings and programming, grounding and fault studies, and commissioning support, along with proven leadership skills. Projects will span across renewable generation interconnections (solar, wind, battery storage) and traditional transmission/distribution infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.
• Perform and review system studies including load flow, short‑circuit, arc flash, grounding, and coordination analysis.
• Develop, implement, and validate protective relay settings to ensure reliable system operation.
• Direct relay programming, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.
• Review and approve P&C drawings, schematics, and technical specifications for accuracy and compliance.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid‑level engineers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Ensure strict compliance with industry standards (IEEE, NERC, NFPA, NEC, NESC) and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables to meet organizational and client expectations.
• Prepare and present technical reports, study results, and recommendations.
• Support proposal development, scope definitions, and technical evaluations as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in protection and control within the utility or consulting sector.
• Strong expertise in substation protection philosophies, relay logic, and power system studies.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in the following software:
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • AutoCAD Electrical (preferred)
  • Bluebeam (preferred)
  • ARCGIS (preferred)
  • Power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, ASPEN, or CYME)
  • Relay setting software (e.g., AcSELerator, DIGSI, SEL Compass)
  • Protective relay testing & commissioning tools (preferred)

Additional Information

• This is a full‑time onsite role based in South Carolina.
• Occasional travel may be required for site visits, testing, and commissioning (up to 15%).
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
• Flexibility to work extended hours when project deadlines require.

Why Join Us?

At FindTalent, we connect skilled professionals with industry‑leading companies shaping the future of power and energy infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to lead mission‑critical protection and control projects while advancing your career in a dynamic, growth‑oriented environment.

Apply today to step into a leadership role as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer!