Associate Electrical Engineer - Power System Protection Job Details | Confidential Client Family of Companies
The Associate Electrical Engineer - Power System Protection at Confidential Client is responsible for developing protective relay settings and applying protection and control design concepts within transmission and substation projects. This role involves working with various relay manufacturer software and power system modeling tools to ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements, while collaborating with internal teams and clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. The position offers hybrid work flexibility and opportunities for professional growth in a leading infrastructure engineering company.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Associate Electrical Engineer — Power System Protection to join a Protective Relay Settings team in the Chicago, IL area. This early-career engineering role focuses on developing relay settings, working with power system modeling tools, creating downloadable relay setting files, and supporting protection & control design for transmission and substation projects.
What You’ll Do
- Develop protective setpoints and relay settings per industry standards, client requirements, and best practices.
- Work with power system modeling/analysis tools such as ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, and SKM.
- Create and validate downloadable setpoint files using relay manufacturer software (e.g., SEL AcSELerator QuickSet, GE Enervista).
- Design and manipulate logic used in protection and control schemes.
- Prepare engineering calculations, data collection, and technical deliverables following standard methods.
- Coordinate with project teams, other disciplines, and external clients to support design and delivery.
- Support continuous improvement, quality processes, and mentoring of entry-level colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Stay current on departmental design guides, codes, standards, and internal procedures; apply them to assigned work.
- Produce progressively complex engineering deliverables and recommendations for equipment/materials.
- Assist in developing and checking protective relay settings for lines, transformers, breakers, and buses.
- Contribute to system modeling, short-circuit and stability studies, and related analyses as required.
- Prepare and manage engineering calculations and documentation in Mathcad, Excel, or similar tools.
- Communicate technical results clearly in writing and in coordination meetings with team members and clients.
- Participate in project schedule, budget, and quality activities; escalate issues when required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (accredited program) or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1 year of related experience working in power systems, protection, or substation engineering.
- Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (Confidential Client is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role).
- Ability to complete pre-employment checks that may include criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, consistent with applicable law.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–4 years’ experience in transmission or substation protection engineering.
- Experience developing protective relay settings and setting files.
- Familiarity with system modeling tools: ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, or SKM.
- Experience with relay vendor software (SEL AcSELerator QuickSet, GE Enervista, etc.).
- Understanding of protection & control concepts (one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring).
- Knowledge of common protection schemes, NERC-PRC standards, and IEC 61850 fundamentals (GOOSE, MMS, SV).
- Familiarity with communications protocols (DNP, SEL, MMS, Modbus).
- Strong Excel/Mathcad skills and solid written/verbal communication.
Work Environment & Other Requirements
- Full-time role based in Chicago / Illinois Medical District area. Hybrid or flexible work options may be available following an initial period, per manager discretion.
- This role may require occasional site or client visits and standard office collaboration.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities — please contact Careertakes for accommodation requests during the application process.
Compensation
- Annual pay range for this role (as posted): $91,047 – $152,053 (USD). Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and location, and will comply with applicable pay transparency laws.
Why this opportunity
- Early-career growth: work across projects and technologies to build protection & control expertise.
- Hands-on technical work: relay settings, protection logic, and system modeling.
- Team environment that values safety, collaboration, and professional development.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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