Protection & Controls Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A design engineering firm is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer to lead medium- to high-voltage substation design projects. The ideal candidate will have 5-10+ years of experience in substation protection and control and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. This role involves producing detailed design packages, coordinating with various engineering disciplines, and providing technical support during testing phases. Competitive benefits are offered, including comprehensive health insurance and a 401(k).

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and vacation time

Yearly performance-based bonus eligibility

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in substation protection and control design.
• Proficient in developing protection one-lines and wiring diagrams.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and utility-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed Protection & Control designs for substation projects.
• Develop P&C design deliverables including diagrams and layouts.
• Coordinate closely with multi-disciplinary design teams.

Skills

Protection relay applications

Coordination across engineering teams

CAD tools proficiency

Control schemes knowledge

Substation coordination studies

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Active Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

SEL AcSELerator

GE Enervista

Job description

Overview

Location and Travel:

This is a remote position; however, preference will be given to candidates located in Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Atlanta, GA, Reno, NV, Grand Rapids, MI, or Las Vegas, NV. This position may require travel to all of the above listed locations.

Company Description

Meade Engineering is a full-service design firm specializing in innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions for data centers, cloud providers, and large-scale construction projects. Our team of expert engineers, designers, and consultants is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable solutions that drive the industry forward.

At Meade Engineering, we foster a collaborative and dynamic work environment where creativity, technical excellence, and professional growth are at the forefront. We take pride in our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and superior service-values that not only define our projects but also shape our workplace culture.

If you\'re looking to be part of a company that values expertise, teamwork, and cutting-edge design, we\'d love to hear from you!

Job Description

MEI is seeking a talented Protection & Control (P&C) Engineer to lead and execute medium- to high-voltage (15kV to 500kV) substation protection and control design projects. This is a technical, detail-focused role ideal for engineers who excel in high-paced environments and are experienced in producing code-compliant, constructible P&C design packages with minimal oversight. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in utility and industrial substation design and be skilled at coordinating across multiple engineering disciplines, including SCADA, physical, and civil teams. Occasional support during commissioning and testing phases may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support detailed Protection & Control designs for greenfield and brownfield substation projects.
• Develop complete and accurate P&C design deliverables, including one-line and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics and wiring diagrams, panel layouts and bill of materials, cable schedules, control logic, and I/O mapping.
• Specify and apply protection relays (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB) and associated settings.
• Apply applicable industry and utility standards (IEEE, NESC, and client-specific guidelines).
• Coordinate closely with SCADA/RTU, communications, physical, and civil design teams.
• Perform drawing QA/QC and mentor junior P&C designers and engineers.
• Interface with clients, relay settings engineers, and field teams during design reviews and construction.
• Provide technical support for relay testing, FAT/SAT, and substation energization as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering required.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S state.
• 5-10+ years of experience in substation protection and control design for utilities, EPCs, or engineering firms.
• Proficient in developing protection one-lines, AC/DC schematics, and panel wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with protection relay applications—especially SEL (351, 451, 735, 487).
• Proficient with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of control schemes, relay logic, and SCADA integration.
• Knowledge of industry standards (IEEE, NESC, utility-specific requirements).
• Experience with GIS or metal-clad switchgear.
• Familiarity with relay setting software (e.g., SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista).
• Experience with substation coordination studies and arc flash analysis.
• Proven ability to coordinate across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Benefits

All full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefit package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of medical premiums covered by the employer, short and long-term insurance, life insurance, a 401(k), vacation time, paid holidays off, and yearly performance-based bonus eligibility.

MEI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws. We believe in equal employment opportunities for all and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.