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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Act as the core cross-functional link between engineering and quality departments to protect product integrity and secure on-time delivery. QC/Process Engineer Skills: * Highly flexible across ...

Design Engineer - Substation

Atlanta, GA

$94K - $120K/yr

Develop protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, cable lists and panel layouts. * Develop design drawings, calculations, and bills of material from engineering documents for planning ...

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Protection And Control Engineer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$64.9K

$113.5K

$176.9K

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

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Atlanta, GA is $113,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,600.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 a protection and Control Engineer?

A Protection and Control Engineer designs, implements, and maintains systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults and abnormal conditions. They work with relays, circuit breakers, and control schemes to ensure system reliability and safety, often using specialized software and adhering to industry standards. This role requires technical knowledge of electrical systems and troubleshooting skills.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Protection and Control Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Earning $500,000 is uncommon and usually requires senior positions, extensive experience, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying sectors such as energy or consulting firms. Achieving such a high income may also involve bonuses, profit sharing, or advanced certifications.

What is the highest salary for a QC engineer?

A Protection and Control Engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but senior roles in the field can reach salaries of $100,000 or more annually. High-level positions often require specialized knowledge of electrical systems, protective relays, and control schemes, along with relevant certifications. Compensation also depends on the complexity of projects and the size of the employing organization.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Protection and Control Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the energy or utility sectors. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for this specific engineering role.
What are popular job titles related to Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,518 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Protection & Control Applications Engineer/Analyst - (ATL, GA) **MULTIPLE POSITIONS**

Protection & Control Applications Engineer/Analyst - (ATL, GA) **MULTIPLE POSITIONS**

Southern Company

Atlanta, GA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

*PLEASE NOTE* This posting serves to fill multiple Engineer/Analyst positions within our Protection & Control Applications group. We are open to considering all levels of experience, provided you meet the basic qualifications outlined below.

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

  • These positions will be based out of Forest Park, GA.
  • Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office and one (1) day telecommute.
  • Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commuting distance.
  • This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with access to internet service.

POSITION SUMMARY

If you're passionate about being at the forefront of innovation in the electric utility industry, this is the perfect moment to join us! With an accelerated growth in power demands and AI technologies reshaping our field, our teams are designing dependable transmission and distribution protection systems to maintain the highest level of reliability our customers expect. We're embracing the latest advancements in protective relaying systems, setting the stage for a new era of the electric grid. If you're excited about helping build tomorrow's energy infrastructure, we invite you to explore this opportunity and become part of our dynamic team!

This position will perform protective relay calculations and coordination studies for Southern Company's transmission and distribution systems. This engineer will also perform engineering design and technical services for the specification, application, and analysis of protective relaying and control systems. The selected candidate(s) will provide technical expertise and support for design, construction, planning, compliance and customers regarding protection and control of Southern Company's transmission and distribution facilities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design protective relay & control schemes and develop protective relay settings to protect and monitor the performance of electric power system facilities (transmission lines, distribution feeders, and substation equipment). 
  • Provide power system and protection engineering consulting services and technical assistance to other functional areas. 
  • Develop impedance models from equipment manufacturer data and transmission line designs.
  • Review transmission system operations with emphasis on microprocessor relay event analysis.
  • Investigate root cause of abnormal power system operations.
  • Support management of NERC compliance requirements (e.g. PRC-004, PRC-023, PRC-027, etc.)
  • Some travel for site visits, meetings, conferences, storm support, and training may be required.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation to provide remote support to field and operations customers in the event of abnormal/emergency system conditions.

Opportunities provided by this position:

  • Learning how a power system/utility operates and how substations are designed and built. 
  • Attending a variety of classes to aid in professional development. Many of these classes are designed for new engineers to help them improve their skills and knowledge to be successful. 
  • Working for a large electric utility that offers many opportunities for advancement.   

Selected candidate will have the chance to: 

  • Work with technologies that range from the older electromechanical relays to modern microprocessor relays. 
  • Support operations and design functions to maintain a reliable, safe, and secure power system. 
  • Develop protection schemes and relay settings to protect the power system from short circuits and other abnormal conditions that might cause damage or interfere with the effective operation of the system. 
  • Handle multiple projects simultaneously, requiring the ability to set priorities and use effective time management and organizational skills.   

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is preferred 
    • Electrical emphasis/discipline is highly preferred
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License or Engineer-in-Training Certificate or ability to obtain in 12 months is highly desirable

Experience:

  • Experience performing protective relay calculations and coordination studies is a plus
  • Experience working with APA (Advanced Protection Assessment), ASPEN, CYME, EDSA, ETAP or other related power system simulation software programs is a plus
  • Substation protective relay testing experience along with control scheme testing and commissioning experience is a plus
  • Experience in transmission and/or distribution substation operations, power delivery, field services engineering, and/or substation control design engineering is a plus
  • Knowledge of NERC compliance requirements for the Bulk Electric System (BES) is a plus.
  • For less experienced engineers, electrical engineering courses that will be helpful in this position will include Power System Analysis, Protective Relaying, Control Systems, Electric Machine Theory, and Symmetrical Components

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of electrical and power system theory
  • Understanding of substation protection & operation control schemes
  • Strong computer, data analysis, time management & excellent communication skills (oral, presentation & written)

Behavioral Attributes:

  • Model Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance
  • Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to our customers.
  • Take personal responsibility for their projects and customer issues.
  • Follow through on all aspects of assignments to ensure a quality product and increased value is delivered to our customers.
  • Exhibit and promote a positive, "can do" attitude.
  • Commitment as a team member to building and maintaining an inclusive work environment.
  • Must place strong emphasis on Operational Excellence (mistake-free designs).
  • Must understand and practice Human Performance concepts.

To learn more about our benefit offerings, please review here: total-rewards-benefits-overview.pdf

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 


Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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