Protection & Controls Engineer

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment.

Company Overview:

The role of the P&C Engineer (P3) is to offer Electrical Engineering support for the Leeward portfolio of operating plants' operations projects. The main responsibility is to develop solutions that enhance the overall safety and reliability of wind, solar and BESS plants. This position reports directly to the Engineering Manager - Electrical. The primary objectives are to lead, design, schedule, and address critical issues related to the LRE’s operating fleet, while ensuring that the company guidelines for improving operations reliability are met.

Managing complex and time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment is an essential requirement for this position. Additionally, effective communication with both the engineering and operations teams is crucial for successful completion of the assigned projects.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain NERC PRC deliverables for regulatory compliance.
• Perform protection system coordination studies and validate relay settings.
• Design and review protection schemes for transmission, distribution, and generation assets.
• Conduct fault studies and short-circuit analyses.
• Monitor compliance with NERC PRC standards and prepare audit-ready documentation.
• Investigate protection system misoperations and implement corrective actions per PRC-004.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external utilities for inter-entity studies.
• Prepare technical reports and evidence packages for NERC audits.
• Maintain accurate records of relay settings, coordination studies, and misoperation analyses.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts aimed at optimizing protective coordination, reducing downtime and enhancing system operation.
• Create detailed reports for internal and regulatory review, highlighting the performance and effectiveness of protection systems.

Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of experience in protection and control engineering, preferably in a NERC-regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of NERC PRC standards is highly preferred.
• Experience with protection system coordination studies and relay settings validation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for fault and short-circuit analyses.
• Strong communication skills for preparing audit reports and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet regulatory deadlines.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with HV Substation (69 kV though 525 kV), equipment, and relay panels.
• Practical knowledge of Protection & Control, SEL relays and settings including P&C design.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, protection system to extract necessary information for NERC PRC reports.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to clearly communicate ideas to non-engineers.
• Ability to remain focused and reliable in completing tasks and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage technical projects, including interaction with outside vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities in a complex and dynamic environment.

Educational Requirements:

• 4-Year Bachelors Electrical Engineering Degree.
• Master Engineering degree is a plus.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Experience performing NERC PRC studies and good understanding of NERC PRC studies

Please Note: This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval.

LRE considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the salary range for the NERC P&C Engineer is between $96,000 to $132,000 annually, plus annual bonuses. Compensation is set within the range based on each candidate’s background, with the potential to grow as responsibilities and experience increase. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit: https://www.lreus.com/about-us/careers/

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.

We Power Long-Lasting Renewable Energy Careers

With a steadily growing portfolio of projects spanning 20+ years in the clean energy industry, we are hiring, training, and developing a next-generation workforce to safely and responsibly design, construct, operate, and manage sustainable power solutions. Join us in advancing your career in the exciting field of renewable energy.

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In addition to our strong growth trajectory, LRE has earned recognition as an exceptional employer, receiving honors as one of Top Work Places DFW for 2025, Fast Company's 2025 'Best Workplaces for Innovators', and USA Today's Top Places to Work for 2025.

This recognition highlights LRE's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and empowering employees to develop creative solutions that advance both the company and the renewable energy sector.

Notice to Employment Agencies:

Employment agencies please reach out to Joann Weathers at Joann.Weathers@LeewardEnergy.com.