Power Systems Protection Engineer

Cushing Terrell; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell seeks a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow our protection practice, shaping the future of protection capabilities while delivering hands‑on engineering excellence.

You will lead studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and review designs for accuracy and code compliance, while mentoring teams and expanding capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher in Electrical Engineering.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Working knowledge of NEC and NESC.
• Licensed Professional Engineer or ability to obtain by comity in the hiring state.
• Advanced knowledge of Electrical Systems Analysis Software (ETAP preferred).
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Proven experience in design of substations, distribution, and industrial installations with relevant codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead protection studies and design for substations, distribution, and industrial facilities.
• Coordinate relay settings and review designs for code compliance.
• Serve as technical authority and mentor other teams.
• Grow and mentor the protection practice and team.
• Collaborate across disciplines on sustainable, impactful projects and firm strategy.

Skills

Protection design

Power system studies

Relay coordination

NERC/PRC standards

Electrical codes (NEC)

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

Bluebeam

Outlook

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title: Power Systems Protection Engineer

Power System Protection Engineer

Position Description

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow our firms 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.

In this role, you will:

• 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 firms 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**

• Bachelors degree or higher education 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 areas of electrical system design including but not limited to electrical substations, overhead and underground distribution, and industrial installations, with applicable codes and regulations
• Develop working knowledge of Cushing Terrells process and issues affecting productivity and quality control
• Ability to prepare fee proposals, various studies and reports in relation to essential functions listed below
• 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

Working at Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

Why Cushing Terrell

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first‑of‑their‑kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, design meets you. Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

Things to Note

Actual pay will be determined based on the candidates years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job‑related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their 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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.