Sr Sys Protection Engineer

Consumers Energy; Jackson (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Consumers Energy is seeking a Senior System Protection Engineer to design, analyze, and protect moderately complex high voltage power systems across our transmission and distribution networks in Michigan. The role includes coordination with other engineers, development of protection philosophies, and ensuring NERC reliability adherence.

You will lead protection projects for 46 kV and 138 kV systems, supervise junior staff, and contribute to grid reliability while working in a hybrid environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program with four or more years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a non-ABET accredited program plus a Professional Engineering license with four or more years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop models and simulations to test the performance of protection devices.
• Select protection devices and settings based on system characteristics.
• Coordinate with engineers to ensure proper interaction with the power system.
• Prepare technical reports documenting protection designs.
• Investigate faults and develop solutions to prevent recurrence; monitor industry changes and revise designs as necessary.
• Manage projects for installation or upgrades of protection systems.
• Assist in development of new protection devices and systems.
• Perform field tests to verify operation and maintain design records.
• Design, implement, and oversee protection schemes for high voltage power systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Electrical codes

Design software

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Substation automation

SCADA familiarity

Education

ABET-accredited BE/CE + 4+ yrs exp

Non-ABET BE/CE + PE license + 4+ yrs exp

Tools

SCADA software

Protection design software

Job description

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the Parnall office in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Senior System Protection Engineer will be responsible for the design, analysis, and protection of moderately complex high voltage power systems. They will monitor the work of lower level engineers and technicians on the development and implementation of protection schemes for our transmission and distribution systems. Additionally, they will be responsible for the coordination of the protection schemes with other utilities. The Senior Systems Protection Engineer will be responsible for the development of control philosophies and sequences for our larger, moderately complex generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

The Transmission and High Voltage Distribution (T&HVD) System Protection team is responsible for the protection and reliability of Consumers Energy's 46 kV and 138 kV electric transmission and distribution systems. Leveraging deep technical expertise and close collaboration across the organization, we design, configure, and maintain protection schemes and relay systems that safeguard critical grid assets and support safe, reliable system operation. Our team supports T&HVD projects throughout the asset lifecycle, from conceptual planning and engineering design through commissioning, operation, and maintenance. As subject matter experts, we provide technical leadership in protection system applications, relay settings and coordination, fault analysis, short-circuit studies, protection system modeling, real-time system support, equipment evaluations, and compliance with NERC reliability standards. Working within a highly collaborative environment, our engineers play a critical role in optimizing system performance, improving grid reliability, and supporting the safe delivery of electric service to customers across Michigan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop models and simulations to test the performance of moderately complex protection devices under various conditions
• Select appropriate protection devices and settings based on system characteristics and desired performance
• Coordinate with other engineers to ensure that the protection system interacts properly with the rest of the power system
• Prepare technical reports documenting the design of protection systems
• Investigate faults in protection systems and develop solutions to prevent future occurrences. Monitor changes in the electric power industry and revise protection designs as necessary
• Manage projects related to the installation or upgrade of protection systems*
• Assist in the development of new protection devices and systems
• Perform field tests of protection systems to verify their proper operation. Maintain accurate records of protection system designs and modifications
• Design, implement, and oversee protection schemes for high voltage power systems
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable codes related to electronic engineering
• Proficient in design and calculation software
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with substation automation systems
• Familiarity with SCADA systems

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program with four (4) or more years of relevant experience.
  • [OR] Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a non-ABET accredited program plus a Professional Engineering license with four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.