System Protection Engineer I - IV or Principal Engineer
Location: Alvin, TX, United States
Job ID: 6089463
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
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Job Description:
TNMP is looking for a System Protection Engineer that will perform complex engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient, and economic manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Under general supervision, the System Protection Engineer is responsible for the following:
• Perform short circuit overcurrent and distance coordination studies using ASPEN Oneliner. • Calculate and develop protective relay settings for new projects and/or modify existing protective relay settings as required to maintain system reliability. • Analyze system disturbances and recommend mitigation plans in compliance with NERC PRC-004. • Act as an SME on assigned NERC and/or CIP compliance standards. • Review Relaying one-line AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and other relay design deliverables. • Ensure that all work is performed in adherence to applicable company standards and NERC and CIP compliance standards. • Provide technical support and direction to field personnel as needed. • Provides training to less experienced staff. • Participates in peer reviews as assigned. • Communicates engineering ideas, recommendations, and evaluations to diverse internal and external audiences. • Represents the companys interests in advanced engineering matters. • Applies extensive engineering expertise to improve or develop new standards. • Provides technical direction to contractors and company personnel on an as-needed basis. • Performs all work in a safe and timely manner.
Competencies:
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail. • Experience in short circuit studies software like ASPEN Oneliner, CAPE, etc. is preferred. • Knowledge and proven ability to apply diverse engineering principles, practices, and regulations, and to perform economic and decision analysis studies of complex issues in areas including but not limited to generation, transmission, distribution, system planning, financial, and regulatory issues, asset utilization, and environmental controls and regulations. • Ability to read, interpret, and apply national, state, and local codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC, ACI, AISC, ASME, NACE, etc.). • Ability to translate electrical theory and physics to utility application for improving system reliability. • Ability to make informed repair decisions following company protocols. • Comfortable working in and around high-voltage up to 345kV electrical facilities and equipment. • Demonstrated strong leadership skills, self-motivation, and advanced interpersonal skills.
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
• Level of position offered based on experience and education of the selected candidate. • Education requirements: • Bachelors Degree or Masters Degree in Engineering from a college/university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). • Work experience requirements by position level: • Engineer I - One to three years related experience preferred. • Engineer II - Two or more years of engineering experience, one or more years with FE certificate or Masters degree in engineering. • Engineer III - Four or more years of engineering experience, three or more years with FE certificate or with Masters degree in engineering. • Engineer IV - Five to seven years of engineering experience. • Principal Engineer - Ten or more years of engineering experience, nine or more years with Masters degree in engineering. • Professional Engineer license required. • Preferred Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: • Focus or advanced degree in power system engineering is preferred. • Professional Engineers License. • Must possess current, legally valid drivers license and meet the companys driving record requirements.
Communication Skills:
• Ability to read and interpret documents, drawings, and schematics. • Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, speeches, and make presentations. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees, and managers of the organization.
Computer Skills:
• In-depth knowledge of personal computers, including demonstrated proficiency with electrical engineering design programs. • In-depth knowledge of word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
Analysis and Problem-Solving Ability:
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out complex instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. • Ability to deal with complex problems involving several concrete variables in complicated situations.
Physical Demands:
• This position requires periods of frequent sitting, standing, walking, and exposure to outside elements, lifting 50 pounds or under, crouching, bending, climbing, and working at various heights. • Protective equipment required: hard-hat safety glasses and hearing protection.
Work Environment:
• Time will be divided between office and field, with a majority of time in the office. • Work will be around high-voltage electricity facilities, computers, office equipment, and construction equipment. • Personnel in this job title may be covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. • If the position is covered prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. • Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber-secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. • Annual cyber security training is also required.
Safety and ADA Statement:
• Safety is a core value at TXNM Energy, and our vision, "everyone goes home safe," reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving, and building safety practices. • Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm. • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst at 505-241-4627.