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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Madison, WI

$99K - $126K/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 ...

Dashiell

Substation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $126K/yr

Performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems from 34.5kV to 500kV with ...

Dashiell Corportaion

Substation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $126K/yr

Performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems from 34.5kV to 500kV with ...

Quanta Services

Designer - Substation

Madison, WI

The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of ... Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks. This role requires working knowledge of basic design ...

Zeus Fire and Security

Controls Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Electrical Control System Design - Strong understanding of electrical schematics, panel layout, and ... Its systems ensure efficient and reliable protection over wide areas with remote and onsite support ...

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All JobsProtection And Control Engineer JobsProtection And Control Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Protection And Control Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$68K

$119K

$185.4K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Madison, WI is $118,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $131,000.00 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.
Protection And Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,962 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Engineer - Substations Engineering

Engineer - Substations Engineering

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Madison, WI • On-site

$99K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose
Provides technical expertise in the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric substations. This role assists with complex substation projects, ensures engineering quality and system reliability, and serves as a subject matter expert. The Engineer partners across functions to support long-term system planning, drives innovation in design and technology.
Core Responsibilities
Note: This is not an all-inclusive listing
  • Supports the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of new substations and major substation modifications (4 kV to 345 kV).
  • Collaborates with internal staff and contractors in construction, maintenance, and modification of substations.
  • Develops detailed technical specifications for major substation equipment; evaluate proposals, oversee manufacturing inspections, and coordinate delivery and installation.
  • Supports substation protection, control, monitoring, and communication systems, including microprocessor-based technologies.
  • Assists with vendor, contractor, and consultant negotiations; evaluate bids and provide recommendations for procurement of equipment and services.
  • Manages capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
  • Assists in creating project budgets and forecasts for substation capital projects.
  • Collaborates with system planning teams on conceptual design, layout, and long-range substation and system expansion planning.
  • Prepares and reviews construction and maintenance work orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with standards.
  • Provides troubleshooting and resolution of substation control and system issues.
  • Researches, evaluates, and implements emerging technologies, design practices, and equipment to enhance system performance and reliability.
  • Mentors and provides technical guidance to engineers and engineering support staff.
Behavioral Competencies
These are in addition to MGE's Core Competencies
  • Manages Complexity - Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
  • Decision Quality - Makes sound, timely decisions even in ambiguous or high-impact situations.
  • Plans and Aligns - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
  • Collaborates - Builds partnerships and works effectively across teams, functions, and external stakeholders.
  • Drives Results - Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances.
  • Instills Trust - Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, and technical credibility.
Skills
  • Knowledge of substation design principles and practices (4 kV-345 kV)
  • Experience in substation protection, control, and monitoring systems
  • Proficiency in developing technical specifications and evaluating vendor proposals
  • Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
  • Understanding of utility industry standards, safety codes, and regulatory requirements
  • Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Effective communication skills (technical and non-technical audiences)
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Desire to obtain professional Engineer (PE) license
Experience
  • Ideally 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering, with significant experience in substation design and project leadership
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering projects and influencing technical decisions across functions
Work Location
  • This hybrid role is based at our Madison, WI headquarters. While three days onsite is the minimum, team collaboration and business needs may require additional in-office presence.

Pre-employment will require satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
We are an AA/EOE employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to protected status.

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