Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Commonwealth; Liberty Lake, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Gahanna (WA, MI, MI, OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Associates is seeking an early-career Protection & Controls engineer to translate client standards into robust substation design. You will develop and modify drawings, study protection schemes, and assist with relay, CT/PT, and SCADA integration under seasoned engineers.

This role emphasizes learning, collaboration with other disciplines, and contributing to project deliverables such as calculations, BOMs, and diagrams while growing expertise in power systems and protective relaying.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Electrical Engineering degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops understanding of client standards, policies, procedures, design guides, and applicable engineering codes for Protection & Controls design.
• Adheres to Commonwealth Associates' quality program and engineering practices.
• Assists in developing and modifying protection drawing packages (one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, relay and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel views, CT/PT schematics, communication diagrams).
• Gains understanding of protective relays, circuit breakers, CTs/PTs, and protection zones and how they interact to detect and isolate faults.
• Assists with protection schemes for substations (transmission lines, transformers, buses, breakers, feeders) under supervision.
• Supports basic electrical engineering calculations (voltage drop, CT saturation, conduit fill, battery sizing, AC/DC calculations).
• Collects and manages technical information for Protection & Controls engineering and design.
• Supports preparation of drawings, specs, BOMs, reports, calculations, studies, and other project docs of limited scope.
• Develops familiarity with microprocessor-based relays, relay logic, communications, and SCADA integration.
• Reviews drawings and vendor information and incorporates data into deliverables under guidance.
• Coordinates with Physical Electrical, Civil/Structural, Power System Studies, and Relay Settings for interfaces.
• Participates in client meetings, calls, and site visits with mentor support.
• Supports field and construction activities with technical questions, drawing revisions, and record documentation.
• Performs engineering work with design/documentation tools and gains proficiency with Protection & Controls software.
• Supports QC reviews of calculations and drawings for accuracy and conformance to requirements.
• Supports continuous improvement and change management in engineering processes.
• Takes ownership of professional development and expands knowledge of power systems and substation design.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Commonwealth Associates is seeking an early-career Protection & Controls engineer to translate client standards into robust substation design. You will develop and modify drawings, study protection schemes, and assist with relay, CT/PT, and SCADA integration under seasoned engineers.

This role emphasizes learning, collaboration with other disciplines, and contributing to project deliverables such as calculations, BOMs, and diagrams while growing expertise in power systems and protective relaying.