Power Systems Protection Engineer

GPD Group; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with matching

Bonus program

Vacation & Sick Time

Professional Development

And much more...

Job summary

GPD Group is seeking a Power Systems Protection Engineer to ensure the reliability and safety of power systems. You will design protection schemes, perform advanced electrical studies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on challenging projects.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, 6–10+ years of experience, and a PE license. Expertise with ASPEN, PSEE, ETAP, SKM, and strong standards knowledge (NERC, IEEE) is required. Travel minimal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 6-10+ years of experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Proficient in ASPEN, PSEE, ETAP, SKM or equivalent software.
• Knowledge of safety codes and standards (NERC, ANSI, NESC, NFPA, IEEE).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of protection coordination principles and relay logic.
• Perform fault analysis, system modeling and studies.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and promote learning.
• Lead QA across projects and ensure technical consistency.
• Engage with clients to define scope and communicate solutions.
• Oversee tasks to meet scope, schedule, and budget; minimal site walks.

Skills

Protection coordination

Relay configuration

System modeling

NERC/IEEE standards

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ASPEN

PSEE

ETAP

SKM

Job description

Why GPD?

At GPD Group, our purpose is to improve the well-being of our employees, clients, communities, and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build. As an employee-owned company, we foster a collaborative, non-hierarchical environment where every voice is valued and innovation thrives. You’ll be part of a culture encouraging you to explore your potential, lead purposefully, and make a lasting impact. With over 60 years of experience and a team of 950+ professionals across 15 offices nationwide, we deliver architectural, engineering, and planning services that empower communities and shape the future of energy infrastructure. Our Power Team is growing organically through a reputation for excellence in transmission and substation design, and we’re excited to welcome new talent who share our commitment to high‑quality design, servant leadership, and continuous improvement. From day one, you’ll be supported with training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow your career. At GPD, you’re not just joining a company—you’re becoming part of a culture that encourages you to explore your potential, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact.

Role Summary

As a Power Systems Protection Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and safety of power systems. You’ll design and implement protection schemes, perform advanced electrical studies, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to solve complex challenges. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about innovation, technical depth, and shaping the future of power systems through strategic leadership and expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering


• 6-10+ years of experience


• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)


• Proficient in working with ASPEN, PSEE, ETAP, SKM, or equivalent software for the protection of transmission, substation, and distribution networks.


• Proficient in system modeling: short circuit, load flow, protective device, harmonic analysis, cable thermal, and grounding studies.


• Advanced ability to comprehend and interpret safety codes, utility standards and regulations (NERC, ANSI, NESC, NFPA, IEEE).


• Proven proficiency with SEL QuickSet for relay configuration and testing.


• Proficient and influential, with the ability to guide cross‑functional collaboration and mentor team members in a multi‑discipline environment.


• Expert in written and verbal communication, capable of guiding teams, mentoring peers, and presenting complex ideas clearly.


• Valid Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of protecting coordination principles, fault analysis, relay logic, and system modeling.


• Working knowledge of NERC, IEEE, ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards.


• Mentor less experienced engineers and foster a culture of continuous learning and technical growth within the team.


• Lead quality control efforts across project teams, mentor others in QA practices, and ensure consistency in technical execution.


• Lead client discussions on technical scope, provide solutions, and build strong working relationships through consistent communication.


• Lead task execution and guide team efforts to meet scope, schedule, and budget objectives.


• Participate in occasional site walks for current projects. Less than 5% travel.

Benefits

GPD passionately believes that everyone on our team knows they are a valued member of our employee-owned company. When you are willing to put in the time and effort to make us successful, you will see that in your paycheck and benefits offering.

• Health Insurance


• Dental Insurance


• Life Insurance


• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance


• Vision Insurance


• 401(k) with matching and company profit-sharing contribution


• Rich Bonus Program that rewards both company and individual performance


• Vacation & Sick Time


• Professional Development Support


• And much more...

At GPD Group, we believe in the value of every individual. GPD Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we assure you that all applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veterans, or any other characteristic protected by the law.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.