Power Systems Protection Engineer

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

Job summary

Cushing Terrell is hiring a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer in Billings, Montana. The role involves leading the design and implementation of protection schemes for various electrical systems. Applicants are expected to have at least 8 years of experience, a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, and knowledge of Electrical Systems Analysis Software like ETAP. Salary is expected to be between $120,000 and $140,000 annually and offers professional growth opportunities within a dynamic engineering environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of job-related experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (or ability to obtain by comity) in Montana.
• Proven record of technical competence in electrical system design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and implementation of protection schemes.
• Perform various studies including short-circuit and load-flow.
• Act as Engineer-in-responsible-charge.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of Electrical Systems Analysis Software

Technical competence in electrical system design

Working knowledge of Bluebeam, Outlook, and Microsoft Office

Ability to prepare fee proposals

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

Job description

Overview

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow our firm’s capabilities in power system protection. As the go-to expert in this space, you will shape the future of our protection practice while delivering hands-on engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and implementation of protection schemes for substations, distribution systems, and industrial facilities
• Perform system studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and review designs for accuracy and code compliance
• Serve as the technical authority for other teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support
• Help expand and develop the firm’s protection capabilities, including building and mentoring a growing team
• Collaborate across disciplines on sustainable, impactful projects, influencing both technical direction and firm strategy

This is a high-impact, hands-on role that offers professional growth, exposure to leadership, and the opportunity to build and lead a critical, high-demand specialty within the firm.

Position Salary Range

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years of job-related experience
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code
• Licensed Professional Engineer (or ability to obtain by comity) in the state of the hiring Cushing Terrell office
• Advanced knowledge of one or more Electrical Systems Analysis Software packages, ETAP preferred
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam, Outlook, and Microsoft Office
• Proven record of technical competence in electrical system design including substations, overhead and underground distribution, and industrial installations, with applicable codes and regulations
• Develop working knowledge of Cushing Terrell’s process and issues affecting productivity and quality control
• Ability to prepare fee proposals, various studies and reports related to essential functions listed
• Work independently or under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer or Project Manager
• Ability to administer construction contracts and conduct on-site observation of work during construction to monitor plan compliance, including administration and review of addendums, substitutions, change orders, and submittals

Position Responsibilities

• Perform various studies including short-circuit, load-flow, coordination, grounding, lightning protection, and others as required
• Perform power system studies utilizing one or more power systems analysis software packages
• Produce protective relay settings and setting files utilizing relay vendor software
• Apply NERC-PRC standards to relay coordination and produce applicable compliance reports
• Develop protection schemes for substations & industrial installations
• Coordinate with other substation design disciplines (i.e., P&C design teams)
• Maintain a working knowledge of processes and issues affecting productivity and quality of contract documents and reports
• Act as Engineer-in-responsible-charge, including making technical decisions in their respective field, reviewing, stamping, and signing construction documents
• Develop positive external and internal client relationships and participate in project interviews for firm-wide projects
• Conduct project closeout and quality measurement investigation

EEO and Additional Information

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.