System Protection and Studies Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Engineering in Irvine, CA seeks a System Protection and Studies Project Engineer to perform relay calculations, coordination studies, and reports for power delivery projects. You will work under supervision on a variety of substation design tasks and support client needs.

Preferred candidates hold a PE license and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering with a Power emphasis, with experience in power system analysis and equipment design. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience in power market sector project execution.
• Proficiency with PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit.
• Preference for candidates local to Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities

• Perform protective relay calculations and determine relay set points.
• Conduct protective relay coordination studies using short-circuit models.
• Produce relay coordination reports per NERC-PRC standards.
• Create communication settings for protective relays and client reports.
• Provide protective relay construction support and design reviews.

Skills

Power system analysis

Substation design

Protective devices

Relay coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power)

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Job description

System Protection and Studies Engineer - ( 194473 )

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.
• Produce relay coordination compliance reports for applicable NERC-PRC standards.
• 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

#LI-JF1

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.

Primary Location

United States-California-Irvine

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass: System Protection and Planning

Job Posting

Jul 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affir mative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.