Protection & Control Design Engineer, T&D Substations

RMS Energy; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RMS Energy is seeking a Protection & Control Design Engineer to contribute to substation design projects nationwide. This position involves creating detailed schematics, coordinating with teams on complex designs, and leading junior engineers. Candidates should have a strong Electrical Engineering background and relevant industry experience, with opportunities to work remotely across the U.S., excluding Hawaii and Alaska. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, along with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with competitive company match

Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time

Educational Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness incentives

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience for Engineer II in substation protection and control design.
• 5-8 years experience for Engineer III in physical design, mentoring experience preferred.
• 8+ years for Senior Engineer, strong client-facing capabilities and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed AC and DC schematics for substations.
• Design control house layouts focusing on accessibility and maintainability.
• Conduct relay coordination studies and fault analysis using relevant tools.

Skills

Proficiency in relay setting software

Strong knowledge of substation protection schemes

Familiarity with NERC PRC standards

Ability to lead complex design efforts

Experience with renewable energy interconnection

Experience with SCADA integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Position:Protection & Control Design Engineer, T&D Substations

Location: United States

Job Id:641

# of Openings:1

RMS Energy Co., LLCis a nationwide provider of turn-key services to the power industry. From routine maintenance, inspection, and repairs to equipment design, engineering, and installation, RMS Energy offers a variety of solutions to fit the power-related needs of our customers. For more information about RMS Energy, please visit www.rmsenergy.com .

RMS Energy is seeking aProtection & Control Design Engineerto join our growing team. We are hiring at both the Engineer II and Senior Engineer levels based on experience.

In this role, you will play a critical role in the detailed design of substation protection and control (P&C) systems for transmission and distribution facilities ranging from 13kV to 500kV. This role includes the creation of AC and DC schematics, development of control house layouts, cable schedules, DC system design, and wiring diagrams for relay panels. This role interfaces with physical design, SCADA, civil, and commissioning teams to ensure an integrated approach to P&C system implementation. Senior-level candidates should also bring leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior engineers.

Preferred Locations:Remote position; anywhere in the US, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

Responsibilities:

Interpret substation one-line and three-line diagrams to develop detailed AC and DC schematics that meet functional and client specifications.

Design control house layouts, including relay panel arrangements, raceway systems, and cable tray routing, with a focus on accessibility, code compliance, and maintainability.

Develop integrated protection logic across multiple feeders and buses; resolves cross-discipline interface issues.

Create internal wiring diagrams, terminal plans, cable schedules, and I/O spreadsheets to support accurate equipment integration and signal routing.

Conduct redundancy evaluations, fuse and wire sizing, and DC system modeling.

Perform basic DC system calculations (e.g., load sizing, voltage drop) and specify DC components such as batteries, chargers, and protection devices.

Ensure engineering deliverables meet all applicable standards (IEEE, NEC, NESC) and client-specific requirements through rigorous quality reviews.

Collaborate with drafters to deliver clear, buildable design packages that are ready for construction.

Coordinate with physical design, SCADA, telecom, and civil/structural teams to align protection and control systems with overall substation design.

Conduct relay coordination studies and fault analysis using tools like ASPEN, CAPE, or ETAP; assist in developing relay settings and logic files for SEL, GE, or ABB relays.

Participate in design reviews and cross-discipline meetings to resolve design issues and ensure project alignment early in the lifecycle.

Support construction by responding to RFIs, redlines, and as-built documentation needs; clarify design intent and provide field technical guidance as required.

Maintain organized documentation of design decisions, materials, and vendor submittals to ensure traceability and support QA/QC processes.

Review vendor drawings and submittals for technical accuracy and proper integration with the control system design.

Support FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) for control panels and systems by verifying wiring and functionality against design documentation.

Mentor and provide technical support to junior engineers and designers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Engineer II: 3–5 years of experience in substation protection and control design for utility or EPC projects .
• Engineer III: 5–8 years of experience in substation physical design, with a track record of technical ownership, coordination across disciplines, and some experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Senior Engineer: 8+ years of experience in high-voltage physical substation design with demonstrated leadership on complex, multi-discipline projects, strong client-facing capabilities, and ability to guide and review the work of others.

Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Proficiency in relay setting software and protection analysis tools (e.g., SEL AcSELerator, ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP).

Strong knowledge of substation protection schemes and utility relay philosophies.

Familiarity with NERC PRC standards and relay testing/commissioning practices.

Experience with renewable energy interconnection, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and DER protection.

Experience with SCADA integration, IEC 61850, and communication protocols (DNP3, Modbus, Goose).

• Proven ability to lead complex technical design efforts while guiding and developing junior engineering staff (E3 and Senior Engineer).
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and interpret schematic philosophies, define protection zones, and apply logical frameworks to complex T&D and renewable system designs.
• Proven experience analyzing and validating DC and signal networks for reliability, performance, and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on experience with modern electrical design tools and software integrations; familiarity with automating design workflows and evaluating new technologies to improve efficiency.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and periodic, unannounced random drug tests, and a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Valid and current driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel a maximum of 25%.
• Competitive compensation.
• Flexible work environment.
• Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits at the start of the month following the hire date.
• RMS Energy offers a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match for both traditional and Roth contributions, along with free investment consultation.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Educational Assistance Program, to include paid memberships in professional associations, conferences, and training opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program, which offers support in finances, legal matters, and counseling.
• Wellness incentives are provided through our healthcare provider.
• A fast-growing company with great potential for career growth.

**Wewelcome applications from qualified candidates, including those who may require visa sponsorship to work in the United States.**

Working Conditions:
The working conditions for this role primarily involve a standard office environment with typical office noise levels. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting, working at a computer, and performing tasks that demand visual acuity for reading and typing. This job may require travel to RMS facilities and other sites.

Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally lift and carry office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds, the capability to move within the office to access files, office machinery, and meeting rooms, and fine motor skills for keyboard use. Proficiency in speaking, hearing, reading, and typing in English is essential for effective communication and documentation.

AtRMS Energy,we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that a variety of perspectives drives innovation and success. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, RMS Energy is dedicated to employing the best people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law. Our inclusive policies ensure that every team member has equal opportunities for growth and advancement, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive. Join us in powering a diverse and equitable future!

No Agencies Please.Any unsolicited resumes sent to RMS Energy from a third party, such as an Agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to the RMS Energy mailing address, fax machine, or email address, directly to RMS Energy employees, or to the RMS Energy resume database, will be considered RMS Energy property. RMS Energy will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.