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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Leidos

Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101.50K - $129.30K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to design substation protection and control projects for electric utilities at voltages from 12kV up to 500kV. This is an ...

Leidos

Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$101.50K - $129.30K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to design substation protection and control projects for electric utilities at voltages from 12kV up to 500kV. This is an ...

Arcadis

Principal Substation Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$143.20K - $175.10K/yr

Coordinate closely with civil, structural, protection & control, system planning and studies, SCADA/telecommunications, water, and geotechnical engineers to develop complete Issue For Construction ...

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Protection And Control Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$65.4K

$114.4K

$178.3K

How much do protection and control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Illinois is $114,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards, relay coordination software (like SEL, GE, or ABB), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical power systems in utility and industrial environments.

How does a Protection and Control Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a power system project?

Protection and Control Engineers work closely with various teams such as design, commissioning, operations, and maintenance throughout a project. They coordinate with design teams to ensure protection schemes align with system requirements, communicate with field engineers during installation and commissioning to address technical challenges, and collaborate with operations staff to resolve protection issues post-deployment. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers often bridge the gap between theoretical design and practical implementation.

What are Protection and Control Engineers?

Protection and Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They develop relaying schemes, coordinate protection devices, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of substations and transmission lines. Their work helps prevent equipment damage, minimize power outages, and maintain the safety of utility workers and the public. Protection and Control Engineers often use advanced software tools for system analysis and relay settings, and they play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

What is the difference between Protection And Control Engineer vs Relay Technician?

AspectProtection And Control EngineerRelay Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, relevant certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized relay training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and commissioning of protection systems in substations and power plantsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of relays on-site
Industry UsageUsed by utilities, power generation companies, and industrial plantsPrimarily employed by utilities and maintenance contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilities of protection engineersTechnical repair and maintenance of relays and protection devices

Protection And Control Engineers focus on designing, testing, and overseeing protection systems in power networks, requiring higher-level engineering credentials. Relay Technicians handle installation and maintenance of relays, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in power systems but differ in scope, responsibilities, and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Protection And Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,387 per year, or $55 per hour.
Lead Substation Protection & Control Engineer

Lead Substation Protection & Control Engineer

GAI Consultants

Lisle, IL • On-site

$101.10K - $133.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

GAI is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Substation Protection & Control Engineer to oversee the design, development, and implementation of protection and control systems for high-voltage substations. This role will serve as a technical leader within the engineering team, ensuring that all protection and control designs meet regulatory standards, project requirements, and industry best practices. We value work-life balance and offer flexibility - this position can be performed in a hybrid capacity in these locations: Overland Park, KS, Pittsburgh, PA, Lisle, IL, Orlando, FL, or in a fully remote capacity.
Job Duties:
  • Lead the engineering design and review of protection and control systems for transmission and distribution substations (typically 69kV to 500kV).
  • Develop and approve protection schemes including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, control schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Integrate protection and control drawings to interface with the physical layout and design of substations.
  • Development of control and relay panel layouts including assembling the specifications.
  • Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
  • Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
  • Design and sizing of conduit, cable, and backup generators.
  • Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients and attending project-specific meetings.
  • Traveling to substations for scoping site visits
  • Review junior engineer's designs, verify they meet client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in client's protection.
  • Document QA/QC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
  • Leading tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.

General Characteristics
  • Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
  • Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Leads tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes.
  • Develops plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Selects appropriate principles of engineering economics, and probability and statistics to analyze risk in a complex engineering problem.

Minimum Years of Experience
  • 6+ Years of Experience

Education
  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Technical Responsibilities
  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process.
  • Prepares complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Designs and conducts analyses and interprets test data.
  • Begins to develop and reviews complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance.

Project and Task Management
  • Assigns tasks to other technical and non-technical staff.
  • Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work.
  • Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
  • Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects or projects.

Management Responsibility
  • Receives general direction on key objectives. Receives guidance on unconventional/complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.
  • Mentors junior staff by providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
  • Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments.

Communication Skills
  • Communicates effectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Why GAI?
At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that's committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.
Benefits To Working at GAI Include:
  • Competitive salary - GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire)
  • New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program
  • Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
  • 401k company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement

#INDHP
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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