Substation Protection and Control Engineer, EPC

About the role

Redwood Materials is seeking a skilled Substation Protection and Control Engineer to join our Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team. This role is integral to the design and implementation of high voltage electrical systems that support our mission to create a sustainable circular economy for lithium-ion batteries. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in electrical engineering and a passion for renewable energy solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the design process for high voltage alternating current (AC) electrical systems for industrial substations, covering voltages from 69kV to 345kV, while ensuring seamless integration with both transmission lines and medium voltage distribution networks.
• Analyze and improve existing substation designs to enhance their reliability and operational stability.
• Develop comprehensive single-line diagrams, physical layouts, and protection and control systems, including relay designs and grounding plans tailored for substations.
• Perform grid simulations and stability assessments utilizing industry-standard software tools such as PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD, and ASPEN OneLiner.
• Collaborate with utility companies and Independent System Operators/Regional Transmission Organizations (ISO/RTOs) to support interconnection studies, permitting processes, and compliance for new renewable energy projects and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Conduct essential studies, including short circuit, load flow, and arc flash analyses, to ensure system integrity.
• Generate relay settings using SEL AcSELerator or comparable software tools to optimize protection schemes.
• Assess and select high voltage equipment, such as switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, and protection relays, ensuring they meet project specifications.
• Serve as the Electrical Engineer of Record for assigned projects, ensuring adherence to all relevant standards and codes.
• Lead compliance evaluations with industry standards, including NEC, IEEE, NESC, and NFPA, while providing technical guidance to internal teams.
• Collaborate with civil and structural engineering teams on substation layouts, foundations, and overall site development.
• Support field engineering, testing, and troubleshooting efforts for facilities, construction, and commissioning teams.
• Review vendor submissions, Requests for Information (RFIs), and shop drawings to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in technical bid evaluations to identify scope gaps and ensure project alignment.
• Initiate research and development projects to explore the feasibility of medium voltage DC distribution systems for integrating BESS with various energy sources.
• Independently oversee high voltage design projects from initial concept through to successful commissioning.
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams and external consultants to maintain alignment on project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Prepare detailed engineering cost estimates and execution schedules in collaboration with project controls.
• Conduct technical reviews and facilitate design optimization sessions to enhance project outcomes.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the overall development of the team.
• Create workflows, templates, and standards for high voltage design and simulation processes.
• Support strategic initiatives focused on grid integration, renewable energy, and energy storage solutions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license in Nevada or eligibility for reciprocity; candidates must obtain their PE in Nevada and South Carolina within two months of starting.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in high voltage electrical design, preferably within an EPC environment.
• Proficiency in transmission-level load flow and stability analysis using PSSE and PSLF is essential.
• Advanced skills in electromagnetic transient simulations with PSCAD, EMTC, or similar software are required.
• Experience with SEL relay settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent software is necessary.
• Knowledge of relay coordination and fault studies utilizing ASPEN OneLiner or similar tools is important.
• Familiarity with power system modeling software such as ETAP, SKM, or similar programs is preferred.
• Competency in AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with medium voltage DC distribution systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and energy storage systems will be advantageous.

Practical notes

• This position is based in McCarran, NV, and may involve occasional travel for project-related activities.
• The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

About the company

Based in Carson City, Nevada, Redwood Materials focuses on reclaiming lithium-ion batteries and creating feedstock for electric vehicles and storage. Established in 2017 by J. B. Straubel, the company channels recovered materials back into manufacturing. As of October 2025, financial estimates valued Redwood Materials at roughly $6 billion. Operations support electromobility and grid applications by processing used batteries into essential raw components for energy systems.