System Protection and Studies Engineer

HDR; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time away

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Retirement plan with employer match

Employee referral bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR Engineering is seeking a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our Power Delivery team in Irvine, CA. You will perform protective relay calculations, relay coordination studies, and develop relay settings and reports under supervision, collaborating with other engineers and designers.

Ideal candidates hold PE license, a degree in engineering, and several years in power systems or substation design, with familiarity in PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power emphasis is preferred.
• Professional Engineer license (PE) required or eligible.
• Experience in power system analysis and substation design is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform protective relay calculations and determine relay set points.
• Conduct protective relay coordination studies using short-circuit models.
• Develop relay setting files using vendor software.
• Produce relay coordination reports per NERC-PRC standards.
• Create SCADA point lists and communication settings for relays.
• Prepare client protective relay reports and provide design reviews.
• Support protection and conditioning with scheme development and reviews.
• Work under supervision and assist senior engineers on larger projects.
• Travel may be required and coordination with P&C design teams.

Skills

Power system analysis

Substation design

Protective device applications

P&C coordination

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: 'https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR Engineering is looking for a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform engineering tasks with varying levels of complexity, which are assigned by a Lead Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Project Manager.

In the role of System Protection and Studies Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points.
• Perform protective relay coordination studies utilizing short-circuit modeling software.
• Develop relay setting files utilizing relay vendor software.
• Produce relay coordination compliance reports for applicable NERC-PRC standards.
• Develop SCADA point list.
• Produce communication settings for protective relays.
• Produce required client protective relay reports.
• Provide protective relay construction support.
• Provide P&C support with scheme development and design reviews.
• Work under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer, APM, or PM.
• Work independently on tasks and may assist senior engineers on larger, more complex projects.
• Some travel may be required.
• Work with assistance from Project Engineers, other Electrical EITs or Technicians as needed
• Coordinate with other substation design disciplines (i.e., P&C design teams)
• Perform other duties as needed

Keywords: Systems Protection and Studies Engineer, substation, SCADA, electrical engineering, electrical engineer, power system analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 4 years of experience doing electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design is highly preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility is considered a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• short and long-term disability
• life insurance
• an employee assistance program
• paid time away
• parental leave
• paid holidays
• a retirement savings plan with employer match
• employee referral bonus
• tuition reimbursement

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) {Pay Transparency Location1}: $94,000- $133,0000

Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine

Other Locations: United States-California-Los Angeles

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: System Protection and Planning

Job Posting: Jul 23, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.