System Protection & Studies Engineer

HDR; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Engineering is seeking a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our Power Delivery team. The role involves protective relay calculations, coordination studies, and development of relay settings for substation projects in Minnesota.

You will work under senior engineers and may travel to project sites as needed. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in Engineering, a PE license, and prior experience in the Power Market Sector, with proficiency in PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license or PE eligibility recognized by the local licensing board.
• Experience with project execution in the Power Market Sector.
• Proficiency with MS Office and power delivery design software (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, Revit).

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 meeting NERC‑PRC standards.
• Coordinate with P&C design teams and other substation disciplines.
• Travel as needed; work under supervision and progressively take ownership on projects.

Skills

Power market experience

Professional Engineer license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Job description

System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng license).
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and standard Power Market Sector design software (e.g., PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit).
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including 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.

Location and Schedule

• Primary Location: United States–Minnesota–Saint Louis Park
• Other Locations: United States–Minnesota–Minneapolis, United States–Minnesota–St. Paul
• Industry: Power
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Business Class: System Protection and Planning
• Job Posting: Jul 15, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.