What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Engineer - System Protection Engineer Level I, II, Senior, Lead or Principal position at Black Hills Corporation?
Job Details
Job Specifications
Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800 communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.
Position summary:
Perform tasks related to the protection and control systems and relay settings used in the control and operation of utility transmission and distribution facilities. Analyze the performance of protective relay operations to ensure reliability and proper coordination of the overall electric system. Assist with creating equipment specifications and standards for substation protection, automation, and communications equipment.
Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.
Level I: $71,100 - $106,600
Level II: $84,600 - $126,900
Senior: $94,800 - $156,250
Lead: $103,150 - $170,200
Principal: $113,650 - $187,700
Reporting Relationship: Manager of Substation and Protection Engineering
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota, Pueblo, Colorado or Cheyenne, Wyoming
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.
Essential Functions:
Develop settings, control schematics, wiring diagrams and relay logic for protection and control schemes.
Perform short circuit analysis and coordination studies to ensure the reliable and secure operation of protection systems.
Investigate and analyze transmission system disturbances and relay operations to determine root cause and recommend system improvements.
Coordinate SCADA database implementation and operation of field RTU equipment.
Lead field personnel in the installation, verification, and upgrade of substation protection, communication and control equipment while working in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.
Maintain a safe work environment by developing knowledge of Black Hills Energy's safety policies, procedures and stop work authority.
Maintain compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Provide project management and administrative activities for assigned work.
Contribute to the creation of department budgets and financial tracking activities.
Additional Responsibilities:
Complete all assigned training tasks. Continuously train to improve job skills.
Assist and support the other engineering and maintenance activities within the department.
Perform other special work assignments as required.
What Is Required:
All Levels:
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to interact in a team environment.
Ability to maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects independently or as part of a team.
Self-motivated with a desire to learn diverse topics and skills.
Requires travel within the utility service territory and for support of corporate subsidiaries.
Perform work in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.
Level I:
No experience required.
Level II:
Minimum of 2 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Senior:
Minimum of 4 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Lead:
Minimum of 7 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Principal:
Minimum of 12 years of experience of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
What Is Desired:
Basic understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Ability to learn and use short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Ability to document and track projects and engineering processes.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and trade related software.
This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.
About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).
Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.
Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.
Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800 communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.
Position summary:
Perform tasks related to the protection and control systems and relay settings used in the control and operation of utility transmission and distribution facilities. Analyze the performance of protective relay operations to ensure reliability and proper coordination of the overall electric system. Assist with creating equipment specifications and standards for substation protection, automation, and communications equipment.
Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.
Level I: $71,100 - $106,600
Level II: $84,600 - $126,900
Senior: $94,800 - $156,250
Lead: $103,150 - $170,200
Principal: $113,650 - $187,700
Reporting Relationship: Manager of Substation and Protection Engineering
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota, Pueblo, Colorado or Cheyenne, Wyoming
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.
Essential Functions:
Develop settings, control schematics, wiring diagrams and relay logic for protection and control schemes.
Perform short circuit analysis and coordination studies to ensure the reliable and secure operation of protection systems.
Investigate and analyze transmission system disturbances and relay operations to determine root cause and recommend system improvements.
Coordinate SCADA database implementation and operation of field RTU equipment.
Lead field personnel in the installation, verification, and upgrade of substation protection, communication and control equipment while working in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.
Maintain a safe work environment by developing knowledge of Black Hills Energy's safety policies, procedures and stop work authority.
Maintain compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Provide project management and administrative activities for assigned work.
Contribute to the creation of department budgets and financial tracking activities.
Additional Responsibilities:
Complete all assigned training tasks. Continuously train to improve job skills.
Assist and support the other engineering and maintenance activities within the department.
Perform other special work assignments as required.
What Is Required:
All Levels:
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to interact in a team environment.
Ability to maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects independently or as part of a team.
Self-motivated with a desire to learn diverse topics and skills.
Requires travel within the utility service territory and for support of corporate subsidiaries.
Perform work in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.
Level I:
No experience required.
Level II:
Minimum of 2 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Senior:
Minimum of 4 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Lead:
Minimum of 7 years of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Principal:
Minimum of 12 years of experience of utility or consultant experience in protection and controls engineering.
Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Experience with short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
What Is Desired:
Basic understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
Ability to learn and use short circuit analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, CYME).
Ability to document and track projects and engineering processes.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and trade related software.
This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.
About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).
Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.
Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
Salary : $71,100 - $106,600
