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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Electric Drives Control Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

What You will Do: The Electric Drives Control Engineer shall be responsible for all tasks and ... Drive Protection Functions * Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for model-based development ...

Electric Drives Control Engineer

Erie, PA

$80K - $104K/yr

What You will Do: The Electric Drives Control Engineer shall be responsible for all tasks and ... Drive Protection Functions * Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for model-based development ...

Electric Drives Control Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

What You will Do: The Electric Drives Control Engineer shall be responsible for all tasks and ... Drive Protection Functions * Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for model-based development ...

Showing results 21-40

Protection And Control Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$67.7K

$118.3K

$184.4K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Pennsylvania is $118,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protection and control engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection and control engineer?

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 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.

How much do protection and control engineers make?

Protection and control engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in utility or power generation sectors.

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,327 per year, or $56.9 per hour.

Protection & Control Project Engineer 1

Homestead, PA • On-site


GAI Consultants Inc.
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Description

GAI Consultants is seeking a Project Engineer 1 (P&C) for substation-related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, design reviews, QA/QC review, and enforcement related to all aspects of protection & controls design services. The successful candidate will work on various substation and/or protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on a "Client First" approach to all interactions.

Job Duties:

  • Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangement, grounding, schematics and wiring, control and relaying panels and equipment wiring including coordinating with CAD operators to develop organized quality CAD drawings.
    • Integrate protection and control drawings to interface with the physical layout and design of substations.
    • Design of interfacing with SCADA systems and communications including RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
    • Development of control and relay panel layouts including assembling the specifications.
    • Creation of project criteria.
    • 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.
    • Ordering long-lead item materials.
    • Point to Point checks.
    • Review junior engineer's designs, verify they meet client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in client's protection.
    • Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
  • Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients and attending project-specific meetings on a regular basis.
  • Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.
  • Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
  • Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
  • Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
  • Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
  • Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.

General Characteristics

  • Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization.
  • Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions.
  • Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their practice and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of projects.
  • Leads projects of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project.
  • Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering.
  • Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
  • Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings.
  • Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance.
  • Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
  • Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 10+ Years of Experience

Education

  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure

  • Valid Driver's License
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states.

Technical Responsibilities

  • Occasionally serves as the technical advisor in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area.
  • Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the practice for the purpose of recommending changes in projects or applications.
  • Occasionally develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products.

Project and Task Management

  • Oversees a project team of engineers and technicians.
  • Plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects.
  • Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects.
  • Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them.
  • Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures

Management Responsibility

  • Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
  • Mentors senior staff.
  • Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff

Communication Skills

  • Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications.
  • Represents their area of specialty within the organization and liaises with related individuals and organizations.
  • Routinely interacts with organizational leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others.
  • Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership

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

Qualifications

Education
Bachelors of Engineering (required)

Licenses & Certifications
Professional Engineer (required)

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.


GAI Consultants logo

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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Hours and flexibility

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