David Evans and Associates

Join DEA’s Energy Business Unit and Lead the Future of Renewable Energy

Are you an experienced engineer passionate about renewable energy and driven to create a sustainable future? At David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA), we are dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions. Our Energy Business Unit is seeking a Senior Relay Settings Engineer to guide the technical execution of utility-scale wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects throughout the Midwest and western United States.

Why DEA?

David Evans and Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a rich history of over 45 years. We are committed to improving the quality of life and demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments. Our team of creative professionals works together to understand client needs, provide innovative thinking, and deliver extraordinary service that exceeds expectations.

About the Role:

As a Senior Relay Settings Engineer in DEA’s Energy Business Unit, you will be responsible for the studies and settings files to support implementation and testing of protection relay systems to safeguard electrical power systems. Your work will involve designing protection strategies for power transmission, distribution systems, and renewable energy facilities (wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage Systems – BESS). You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and efficient energy solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

The location for this hybrid-friendly position is flexible with a preference for individuals who are based near one of DEA’s offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, or Washington. Fully remote may be considered depending on circumstances. Some travel for project execution may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Exemplify DEA’s Cultural Drivers internally and externally.
• Design and implement protection systems for utility-scale power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects (wind, solar, and BESS).
• Develop protection schemes and settings for electrical equipment, including transformers, generators, feeders, and substation systems, based on client requirements and system specifications.
• Develop and configure protection relay settings, including overcurrent, differential, distance, and backup protection relays.
• Perform coordination studies to ensure proper relay operation and minimize system downtime during fault conditions.
• Use power system modeling tools (e.g., EasyPower, ETAP, DIgSILENT) to simulate and analyze protection systems, fault scenarios, and equipment ratings.
• Conduct studies such as fault analysis, short circuit, arc flash, grounding, cable heating, and reactive compensation.
• Support the testing and commissioning of protection relays and control systems to ensure correct operation and compliance with project specifications.
• Provide technical support during system commissioning and after installation to resolve any protection system issues.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot relay protection issues and perform root cause analysis when protection schemes fail or relay trips unexpectedly.
• Collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure the successful implementation of protection systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, including relay settings, test reports, system protection studies, and coordination diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., IEEE, IEC, NERC) and regulatory requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in protection and relay engineering, with expertise in power systems, electrical protection, and controls.
• Proven experience working with utility companies, renewable energy projects, or transmission and distribution systems.
• Registered Professional Engineer.
• Highly proficient in relay setpoint development including SEL and GE relay programming.
• Highly proficient in applicable industry software (e.g., EasyPower, ETAP, CYMCAP, CDEGS, AcSELerator QuickSet).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams
• Strong leadership, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thirteen (13) + years of applicable industry experience.
• Experience with power facility construction and commissioning.
• Experience as Owner’s Engineer or Engineer of Record for utility-scale wind and solar projects.
• Experience managing complex tasks in multidisciplinary projects.
• Recognized expert in one or more areas related to renewable energy project delivery.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Health Savings and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contribution.
• Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Holiday Pay.
• 401k and Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).
• Flexible 9/80 (every other Friday off) work schedule.
• Holistic Wellbeing Program with a focus on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health.
• Opportunity for growth with support and mentoring to help achieve professional goals.

Salary Range: $125,000 – $180,000 commensurate with qualifications; will vary by location.

About DEA’s Energy Business Unit:

Our Energy Business Unit partners with utility and transportation clients, developers, and construction contractors to provide power delivery and renewable energy infrastructure solutions so our communities and end users can access safe, reliable, affordable power. Our team has been delivering integrated design and project development solutions for over 40 years, meeting technical, financial, and political objectives for traditional and renewable energy facilities. Our capabilities focus on serving the power, renewable energy, transportation, and data center markets. We provide planning and design engineering services for low, medium, and high voltage facilities up to 500 kV.

Join Us:

At DEA, we believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where you can thrive and grow. If you are passionate about renewable energy and eager to lead, we encourage you to apply and join our team in shaping the future of energy.

Potential office Locations: Portland, OR; Corvallis, OR; Bend, OR; Salem, OR; Coeur d'Alene, ID; Boise, ID; Pocatello, ID; Spokane, WA; Seattle, WA; Woodinville, WA; Tacoma, WA; Olympia, WA; Salt Lake City, UT.