E

Excel Engineering

Powertrain testing and emissions regulation compliance

Protection and Control Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$86.7k - $160k/yr+ 401(k) match
Mid
Bachelor's, Master's
Mounds View, MN, USA
In Person
Electrical EngineeringPower Systems Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience in system protection or a related field.
  • Proven experience with system modeling and fault analysis software, including CAPE, ETAP, SKM, or EasyPower.
  • Knowledge of FERC and NERC requirements.
  • Experience with IEC 61850.
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, or equivalent experience.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, and AutoCAD.
  • Strong knowledge of protective relay settings for medium- and low-voltage systems.
  • Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
Responsibilities
  • Perform short-circuit and symmetrical component analysis, time-current coordination, and step-distance coordination.
  • Develop relay settings and coordination studies, including test plans and commissioning assistance.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot protection system events and prepare NERC PRC compliance reports.
  • Design protection schemes for transmission, distribution, generation, and renewable energy sources.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Interface with clients to develop project scopes and estimates for protective relay settings and coordination studies.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to execute detailed engineering work.
  • Review and produce design drawings, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and control panel elevations.
  • Support on-site commissioning and relay testing.
Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of NERC PRC standards for compliance.
  • SEL relay experience and RTAC programming experience.
  • Familiarity with substation protection, control design, and industry standards.
  • Experience with Mathcad.

About the company

Excel Engineering provides testing services for all powertrain types, including ICE, EV, HEV, hydrogen, and battery systems. Its facilities feature over 40 engine testing cells across three locations, testing up to 5500 HP, and chassis dynos, supporting emissions testing, regulatory compliance, and development work. It also offers battery performance, environmental, and abuse testing, as well as service accumulation and DV/PV testing for OEMs during ramp-ups. The company differentiates itself with a broad, specialized suite of powertrain test capabilities—covering emissions, HV battery systems, e-motors, power transmission, and certification testing for ATV, SXS, motorcycles, and other vehicles under 40 CFR standards—combined with custom test development in collaboration with customers. Its goal is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective testing solutions that accelerate product development and ensure regulatory compliance across traditional and emerging powertrain technologies.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Des Moines, Iowa

Founded

2002

Get referred to Excel Engineering

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Fusion's January 2026 investment provides capital for scaling and facility expansion.
  • Excel's blue-chip OEM customer base supports repeat testing programs across vehicle lifecycles.
  • The Detroit-area Ricardo partnership and battery-testing expansion widen reach into hybrid and EV markets.

What critics are saying

  • Fusion's acquisition signals Excel needed outside capital to fund growth and modernization.
  • A new Q2 2026 chassis dynamometer launch demands execution; delays would hit OEM credibility.
  • Powertrain and emissions testing faces EV transition pressure, threatening core engine-testing demand by 2027.

What makes Excel Engineering unique

  • Excel Engineering's 2002-founded testing platform spans engines, batteries, powertrains, and certification.
  • Doug Sobotka kept control after Fusion's January 6, 2026 acquisition, preserving continuity.
  • Its Mount Ayr Battery Tech Center offers 30+ cells and 2,000-volt testing.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Wellness Program
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Employee Referral Bonus

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Business Wire
Jan 7th, 2026
Excel Engineering, Inc. Announces New Partnership and Strategic Investment from Fusion Capital Partners

Excel Engineering, Inc. (“Excel” or “the Company”), a North American provider of testing services for engine, powertrain, battery systems and fuel types acro...