Protection Engineer

Delta, founded in 1971, is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across five continents. Delta has 158 sales offices, 72 R&D centers and 48 manufacturing facilities worldwideThroughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices for 11 consecutive years. In 2021, Delta was also recognized by CDP with leadership level ratings for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain.About the RoleThe Protection Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, and validation of protection systems for microgrids and Solid‑State Transformer (SST)‑based power systems. This role ensures safe and reliable operation of the system under both normal and faulted conditions through proper protection scheme design, circuit breaker selection and control, and coordination studies.The Protection Engineer works closely with simulation, HIL, controls, and system design teams to develop protection strategies that align with system architecture, grid requirements, and operational constraints.Key ResponsibilitiesProtection System DesignDesign and develop protection schemes for microgrid systems and SST‑based architectures.Define protection philosophy for: Grid‑connected and islanded operationMode transitions and reconnectionAbnormal and fault conditionsSelect and specify protection elements including: Overcurrent, differential, distance, and voltage/frequency protectionsInverter‑based protection strategies for limited fault current systemsCircuit Breaker Sizing & ControlPerform circuit breaker sizing and specification based on: Fault current levels (including inverter‑limited contributions)Voltage class, duty cycle, and interrupting ratingsSystem topology and grounding schemeDefine breaker control requirements including: Trip logic and coordination with protection relaysReclosing and sequencing logic (where applicable)Integration with system controls and microgrid controllersEnsure proper selection of switching devices for both AC and DC (if applicable).Protection Coordination StudiesPerform protection coordination and selectivity studies across the system.Analyze and coordinate: Time‑current characteristics (TCC curves)Relay settings and grading marginsBreaker trip timing and sequencingEnsure coordination between: Utility interfacesSST protectionDownstream feeders and loadsDERs (where applicable)Validate coordination under both grid‑connected and islanded conditions.Fault Analysis & System StudiesPerform fault studies for: Symmetrical and unsymmetrical faultsLow‑fault‑current inverter‑dominated systemsAnalyze system response including: Fault current magnitude and durationProtection operation and clearing timesImpact on system stability and control performanceSupport both offline simulation and HIL validation of protection behavior.Collaboration with Simulation & HIL TeamsWork with simulation engineers to: Model protection behavior in MATLAB/Simulink and EMT toolsWork with HIL engineers to: Validate protection schemes in RTDS environmentsTest relay behavior and breaker operation under realistic fault scenariosSupport integration between protection systems and control/firmware implementation.Documentation & ReportingDevelop and maintain: Protection philosophy documentsCoordination studies and reportsDevice settings and configuration filesClearly communicate protection design decisions, assumptions, and risks.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.5+ years of experience in power system protection engineering.Strong understanding of: Protection principles (overcurrent, differential, distance, etc.)Circuit breaker selection and operationProtection coordination methodologiesExperience performing coordination studies and fault analysis.Familiarity with microgrid or distribution‑level power systems.Ability to interpret system one‑line diagrams and develop protection schemes.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems.Experience with: Microgrids and inverter‑dominated systemsSSTs or power‑electronic‑based distribution systemsFamiliarity with: ETAP, SKM, PSCAD, or similar protection / fault analysis toolsMATLAB/Simulink for dynamic studiesRTDS or HIL environments for protection validationExperience working with: Utility protection teams or interconnection processesProtection relays (SEL, GE, Siemens, ABB, etc.)Understanding of: Low fault current challenges in inverter‑based resourcesCoordination in islanded vs grid‑tied systemsBenefit at Delta Electronics Americas: Life at DeltaEEO Statement: Delta Electronics Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Delta Electronics America is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.