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Senior Protection Engineer


Job Location:

Reno, NV - USA

Monthly Salary: USD 100000 - 130000
Experience Required: 5years
Posted: 21 August 2026 (19 days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Summary

NTS is seeking an experienced Senior Protection Engineer to lead the design application testing and commissioning of protection and control systems for power transformers and substation equipment. This role serves as a technical authority for protective relaying on customer projects mentors junior engineers and works closely with field service testing and project management teams to deliver safe reliable and code-compliant solutions for utility and industrial clients.

Key Responsibilities

Design specify and review protection and control schemes for power transformers substations and associated equipment (relays CTs/PTs breakers reclosers).

Develop protective relay settings and coordination studies including short-circuit load flow and arc-flash analysis.

Program configure and test microprocessor-based protective relays (SEL GE ABB Siemens and similar platforms).

Lead commissioning functional testing and troubleshooting of protection schemes in the field and factory acceptance testing (FAT).

Review and interpret one-line diagrams three-line diagrams schematics and wiring drawings for accuracy and code compliance.

Investigate relay misoperations and equipment failures; perform root-cause analysis and recommend corrective actions.

Ensure designs comply with NERC IEEE ANSI NEC and applicable utility and client engineering standards.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to associate and staff protection engineers and field technicians.

Collaborate with project managers sales and clients to scope work develop proposals and support project schedules and budgets.

Prepare clear technical documentation including test reports settings files studies and as-built records.

Support continuous improvement of engineering standards templates and quality assurance procedures.

Travel to customer sites substations and project locations as needed to support testing and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system protection engineering including transformer and substation protection.

Demonstrated expertise with protective relay programming and testing using tools such as SEL AcSELerator DOBLE Omicron Test Universe or equivalent.

Strong working knowledge of protection principles including differential overcurrent distance and busbar protection schemes.

Familiarity with NERC PRC standards IEEE C37 series and utility protection and control practices.

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics one-lines and relay logic diagrams.

Strong analytical troubleshooting and communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Valid drivers license and ability to travel to project and customer sites including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within a defined timeframe.

Experience with short-circuit coordination and arc-flash software (ETAP ASPEN CAPE SKM or similar).

Prior experience working with or for a utility transformer service provider or substation construction/testing organization.

Experience with SCADA RTUs and substation automation and communications protocols (DNP3 IEC 61850).

NETA certification or equivalent field testing credentials.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a combination of office and field/substation environments including energized electrical environments.

Must be able to wear and work in appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including arc-flash rated clothing.

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. climb ladders and work outdoors in varying weather conditions as needed for field assignments.

Field travel typically ranges from 1025% depending on project workload.

About NTS

Native American Transformer Services (NTS) provides comprehensive transformer and substation testing maintenance engineering and field services to utility industrial and commercial customers. Our team is committed to safety technical excellence and building long-term partnerships through reliable high-quality service. If you have any questions please contact Jason OFlaherty at

NTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required.



Requirements

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Minimum of 7 years of experience in power system protection engineering including transformer and substation protection.

Demonstrated expertise with protective relay programming and testing using tools such as SEL AcSELerator DOBLE Omicron Test Universe or equivalent.

Strong working knowledge of protection principles including differential overcurrent distance and busbar protection schemes.

Familiarity with NERC PRC standards IEEE C37 series and utility protection and control practices.

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics one-lines and relay logic diagrams.

Strong analytical troubleshooting and communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Valid drivers license and ability to travel to project and customer sites including occasional overnight travel.




Required Skills:

Required Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited university. 8 years of progressive electrical engineering experience with a strong focus on power transformers. Demonstrated expertise in transformer diagnostics including DGA Power Factor Testing Insulation Resistance Testing and Turns Ratio Testing. Hands-on experience with root cause failure analysis and transformer refurbishment/replacement recommendations. Working knowledge of transformer protection systems differential relays overcurrent protection and system coordination. Experience supporting utility interconnection projects substation transformers and renewable generation facilities. Strong knowledge of IEEE and NETA standards; familiarity with NEC requirements. Proven ability to review and approve engineering drawings test plans and work instructions. Experience mentoring or leading junior engineers.


Required Education:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited university.