NextGenEnergyJobsModern Power System Jobs

Commissioning Protection Engineer

GE Vernova

Houston, United States

Full Time

Posted November 6, 2026

$113k - $189k

Power Generation

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Listing evidence and provenance

Source: Workday View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed November 7, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Power Generation
Pay provenance: Employer-provided pay

Job Description

GE Vernova is seeking a skilled Protection Commissioning Engineer to lead and execute pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, testing, and maintenance activities for protection and control (P&C) schemes, numerical relays, and substation automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and execute pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, testing, and maintenance of protection and control systems.
Perform and supervise electrical and functional testing of: Numerical distance, differential, overcurrent, and transformer protection relays (e.g., GE, SEL, ABB/Hitachi, Siemens). Substation Automation Systems (SAS), SCADA, and IEC 61850 communication networks. Protection schemes, intertripping, and GOOSE messaging. Current Transformers (CT) and Potential Transformers (PT/VT) testing, ratio, polarity, and saturation checks. DC control, trip, and auxiliary power supply systems. HV circuit breakers, switchgear, and transformer protection interfaces.
Lead site teams, technicians, contractors, vendors, and subcontractors during protection testing phases.
Coordinate daily site testing activities and commissioning schedules with primary electrical teams.
Troubleshoot complex protection misoperations, wiring errors, logic issues, and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Manage punch lists, Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), technical issues, site instructions, and protection setting change logs.
Review protection coordination studies, elementary diagrams, schematic drawings, relay setting files, and factory acceptance test (FAT) results.
Support customer coordination, end-to-end trip tests, energization, startup, and acceptance testing.
Maintain accurate technical reports, relay test records, configuration backups, daily reports, and project documentation.
Schedule for P&C testing milestones
Testing resources and specialized test equipment (e.g., Omicron, Doble)
Costs and manpower
Technical documentation and relay settings configuration management
Risks and opportunities related to grid synchronization and protection schemes
Customer requirements

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or equivalent experience.
5–8+ years of field experience in electrical power systems with a primary focus on protection and control commissioning (experience level depending on seniority).
Strong candidates will have experience in several of the following areas:
Protection & Control | Numerical Relays (SEL, GE, Siemens) | IEC 61850 GOOSE | SCADA / Substation Automation | CT/PT Testing | Primary & Secondary Injection | HV Substations | GIS | HVDC | Auxiliary DC Systems | Electrical Testing | Commissioning
Hands-on experience with relay testing software (e.g., Omicron Test Universe, Doble ProTest).
Proven experience leading field testing teams.
Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 60–75%+, depending on position).
Ability to work in Canada, the U.S., and potentially internationally.
Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, IEEE, NETA, NERC, and IEC standards (including IEC 61850).
Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Fluency in English required; French or other languages are an asset depending on region.
Protection expertise + hands-on relay testing + commissioning leadership + troubleshooting + safety culture + customer management + project execution.
This person can personally configure relays, inject test signals, diagnose protection scheme issues, lead the team to resolve them, communicate effectively with the customer and utility, manage schedule impacts, and ensure protection systems are ready and safe for energization.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).