Protection and Control Design Engineer

$64,100 - $80,100/Yr

Evergy - Topeka, KS

Full-time - Entry Level

Topeka, KS

Utilities

About the position

The Protection and Control Design Engineer is responsible for performing technical studies and engineering designs to ensure the appropriate control systems and protection schemes are utilized on the electric grid. This role involves collaboration with various technical operations groups and assists in troubleshooting protection challenges. The engineer will familiarize themselves with engineering documents and drawings, and their work will directly impact the reliability and safety of the company's electric infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design protective relay systems, metering, and SCADA by referencing standards, past projects, new research, regulations, and system requirements.
• Perform design relating to the company's electric substations, transmission lines, and generation equipment to ensure proper control systems and fault protection schemes.
• Specify substation protective equipment based on required schemes and standards.
• Gather and analyze system ratings to provide data to reporting agencies and meet new system requirements.
• Develop relay one-line diagrams utilizing relevant information specified by other groups and standards.
• Produce detailed system protection and control project scopes and cost estimates for multi-year projects and budget planning.
• Support operations and construction personnel in troubleshooting, failure analysis, and testing assistance.
• Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of protection systems and equipment to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Create alternative system designs to improve system performance.
• Direct designers and technicians by reviewing work and monitoring progress for compliance with safety and regulations.
• Act as a technical resource for internal customers by answering questions and providing information.
• Visit project sites to collect design information and ensure project commissioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Utility experience related to electric substation, generation, and transmission line equipment control and fault protection systems is preferred.
• Engineer I: No prior experience required.
• Engineer II: 2 or more years of engineering experience.
• Staff Engineer: 4 or more years of engineering experience.
• Sr Engineer: 8 or more years of engineering experience and active industry involvement or leadership on critical projects.
• Lead Engineer: 12 or more years of engineering experience with specialized expertise and Professional Engineer License preferred.
• Principal Engineer: 20 or more years of engineering experience in a specific area.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of fault analyses studies, power system per unit calculations, and protective relay settings files.
• Experience using ASPEN One-Liner or equivalent fault analysis software.
• Experience utilizing communication relay schemes, such as directional carrier blocking and permissive overreach transfer trip.
• Ability to perform coordination studies for various voltage levels.
• Knowledge of NERC system protection standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and position level.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.