System Studies Engineer - Substation

Dashiell, an operating unit of Quanta Services (trading as PWR), is a leading national provider of technical and construction services supporting critical electric infrastructure. We serve electric utilities, power generation, industrial, renewable, and energy markets with integrated capabilities spanning planning and system studies, engineering and design, maintenance and testing, program management, construction, and turnkey EPC delivery.

With more than 60 years of experience executing large, complex projects, Dashiell specializes in medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure and delivers safe, reliable solutions across the full project lifecycle. Backed by the scale, resources, and safety culture of Quanta Services, Dashiell partners with clients to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers communities and economies. Learn more at www.dashiell.com.

Primary Function:

The Systems Studies Engineer contributes to power system studies (load flow, short-circuit, and protective device coordination) supporting high-voltage substation and transmission projects within Dashiell's Engineering Group. Works under supervision while developing modeling and analysis skills. The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at 12301 Kurland Dr Houston, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell's Supervising Engineer. Successful candidates may be placed in a Design Engineer I, II, or III title depending on skills and experience level. Candidates with more experience may be placed in higher positions.

Duties & Responsibilities

Employee may be called upon to perform any or all of the following functions:

• Develop and maintain power system models using engineering software such as ETAP, or SKM Power Tools under engineer supervision.

• Assist with data collection and validation of system model inputs (transmission lines, transformers, buses, generators, and protective device data).

• Assist in performing electrical power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, protective device coordination, arc-flash hazard analysis, equipment sizing studies for utiiity, industrial, and renewable energy projects.

• Support arc-flash hazard calculations and PPE category labeling.

• Coordinate with drafters and design engineers to incorporate field/nameplate data into study models.

• Assist in preparing study report packages and appendices.

• Conduct site visits to support field data verification.

• Assist in evaluating relay settings and equipment test reports.

• Support project engineers with study progress updates and deliverable tracking.

• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

• Develop familiarity with applicable IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NFPA 70E and NERC requirements.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Deliver accurate system models that form a reliable technical foundation for downstream design and protection decisions.

• Support timely, well-documented study packages that reduce client review cycles.

• Strengthen the Engineering Group's technical capacity through growing analytical proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline required.

• Minimum 1 year of power system studies, protection, or related electrical engineering experience; more senior-level placements require 7 or more years of hands-on system studies engineering experience.

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred. Senior-level candidates are expected to hold or obtain a PE license.

• Basic understanding of load flow, short-circuit, and protective coordination principles.

• Proficiency or willingness to learn ETAP, SKM Power Tools or CYMCAP.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Driving not required at this level.

Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits.

• Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces.

• Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR clothing, and hearing protection.

• Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Environmental Conditions

• Combination of climate-controlled office work and outdoor construction environments.

• Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and rain.

• Exposure to noise, dust, and industrial conditions during site visits.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions as defined by Company policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Dashiell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Dashiell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and an employee assistance program. Additional benefit offerings include medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high-deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options), dental and vision coverage, supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, critical illness insurance, group accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, among others.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship. Third-party recruiters and agencies, please do not contact us regarding this position.