Senior Protection Engineer

Native American Transformer Services, Inc. | Full time

Senior Protection Engineer

Reno, United States | Posted on 08/20/2026

NTS is seeking an experiencedSenior Protection Engineer to lead the design, application, testing, andcommissioning of protection and control systems for power transformers andsubstation equipment. This role serves as a technical authority for protectiverelaying on customer projects, mentors junior engineers, and works closely withfield 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 controlschemes for power transformers, substations, and associated equipment (relays,CTs/PTs, breakers, reclosers).
• Develop protective relay settings and coordinationstudies, including short-circuit, load flow, and arc-flash analysis.
• Program, configure, and test microprocessor-basedprotective relays (SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, and similar platforms).
• Lead commissioning, functional testing, andtroubleshooting of protection schemes in the field and factory acceptancetesting (FAT).
• Review and interpret one-line diagrams, three-linediagrams, 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, andapplicable utility and client engineering standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to associateand staff protection engineers and field technicians.
• Collaborate with project managers, sales, and clientsto scope work, develop proposals, and support project schedules and budgets.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, including testreports, settings files, studies, and as-built records.
• Support continuous improvement of engineeringstandards, templates, and quality assurance procedures.
• Travel to customer sites, substations, and projectlocations as needed to support testing and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or arelated field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power systemprotection engineering, including transformer and substation protection.
• Demonstrated expertise with protective relayprogramming and testing using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, DOBLE, OmicronTest 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 communicationskills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technicalstakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to projectand customer sites, including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability toobtain licensure within a defined timeframe.
• Experience with short-circuit, coordination, andarc-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 automationand communications protocols (DNP3, IEC 61850).
• NETA certification or equivalent field testingcredentials.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a combination of office andfield/substation environments, including energized electrical environments.
• Must be able to wear and work in appropriate personalprotective equipment (PPE), including arc-flash rated clothing.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., climb ladders, and workoutdoors in varying weather conditions as needed for field assignments.
• Field travel typically ranges from 10–25%, depending onproject workload.

About NTS

Native American TransformerServices (NTS) provides comprehensive transformer and substation testing,maintenance, engineering, and field services to utility, industrial, andcommercial customers. Our team is committed to safety, technical excellence, andbuilding long-term partnerships through reliable, high-quality service. If you have any questions, please contact Jason O'Flaherty at

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or arelated field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in power systemprotection engineering, including transformer and substation protection.
• Demonstrated expertise with protective relayprogramming and testing using tools such as SEL AcSELerator, DOBLE, OmicronTest 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 communicationskills, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technicalstakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to projectand customer sites, including occasional overnight travel.