Senior Electrical Engineer Distribution Protection

CenterPoint Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Benefits from day one

Transit subsidies

Flexible schedule

Paid holidays & PTO

Wellness center on-site

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with company match

Job summary

CenterPoint Energy in Houston is seeking a Professional Engineer to specify protection schemes, develop SCADA systems, and support commissioning to ensure reliability of the electric grid. The role requires Texas PE licensure and a strong background in protection engineering.

Responsibilities include relay programming, point coordination, and field support for new equipment interconnections. This position offers a path for professional growth in a major utility’s energy delivery operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license in Texas required or to be obtained.
• Experience with protective relaying and SCADA design.

Responsibilities

• Develop protection schemes and specify relays for independent relaying systems.
• Calculate and program protection set points for relays and coordination.
• Design automation and SCADA systems; program relays, PLCs, RTACs.
• Support interconnection and commissioning of new equipment.
• Assist field personnel with commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Analyze power quality concerns for MUG customers.
• Support commissioning of new medium voltage customers.

Skills

Protective relaying

SCADA systems

Relay programming

Power system analysis

Field support

Engineering calculations

SAP

GIS

Electrical codes

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SAP

GIS

Job description

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

Specify, design, and modify power system protection schemes and SCADA schemes. Develop protective relaying settings, and assist in the commissioning of Intelligent Grid Switching Devices (IGSDs) and/or Major Underground (MUG) equipment to maintain the reliability of the CNP electric system. Support distribution capital projects by evaluating protection concerns. Serve as an SME for various internal initiatives and evaluations.

Please note: This position requires a professional Engineer License in the State of Texas

Essential Functions

• Develop protection schemes schemes and specify relays for use in independent relaying systems, interacting with other engineering sections, equipment vendors, engineering firms, and operations personnel.
• Calculate and program protective relay set points, including for coordination purposes, for electromechanical and microprocessor relays and issue to operations personnel.
• Design automation and SCADA systems. Program relays, PLCs, and RTACs to ensure system visibility and functionality
• Provide technical assistance with the evaluation and commissioning of new equipment for the interconnection within the CNP electric system.
• Provide support to field personnel in commissioning and the troubleshooting of existing equipment operations.
• Analyze concerns related to possible power quality issues for MUG customers
• Analyze equipment operations and develop reports following system disturbances, with data obtained from microprocessor relays.
• Support the commissioning of new medium voltage customers

Education Description

Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• Requires a minimum of four years of electric utility or power engineering experience that includes performing engineering calculations and design.
• Must have a Professional Engineer license.
• A Professional Engineer license in the State of Texas is preferred.

• Able to use mathematics, including trigonometry and calculus, to complete complex engineering design calculations and relate mathematical solutions to actual utility situations.
• Able to interpret, analyze and produce electrical models, drawings and technical documents.
• Able to apply knowledge of electrical theory and system operations to daily decisions.
• Able to make informed decisions, follow procedures and comply with policies based on the knowledge of the work and the services provided by CenterPoint Energy.
• Able to calculate system short circuit quantities using sequence networks.
• Able to use SAP and GIS for technical engineering applications.
• Able to interpret and apply the Natonal Electric and National Electric Safey Codes.
• Able to understand and follow electric safety principals and work safely around energized equipment and environments where CNP facilities are located

Physical Requirements

• Able to certify and use personal protective equipment, such as respirator, safety glasses, hardhat, gloves, protective footwear and earplugs on a daily basis.
• Able to demonstrate and apply the manual dexterity to operate a personal computer and common office equipment.
• Able to communicate either written and verbal communications either in person or through technical equipment such as telephone.
• Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.

Working Conditions

• Required to participate in CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operation Plan (EOP).
• Able to operate a motor vehicle and drive a motor vehicle daily or for extended time periods, in a safe manner.
• Able to travel occasionally overnight.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work indoors in an office environment and outdoors with occasional exposure to all weather conditions, equipment, and noise when at field installation sites.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:Full Time
Posting Start Date: 09/10/2026
Posting End Date: 10/02/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

#LI-CNP