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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

X Energy LLC

Fire Protection Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$84K - $114K/yr

... control analyses, and fire barrier qualification assessments. * Write and develop design ... Perform Systems Engineering processes for the designed fire protection systems and components.

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Protection Engineer III

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer III is responsible for the design, review, support, and technical ... Perform quality control reviews and audits of field installations and service work * Support AHJ ...

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All JobsProtection And Control Engineer JobsProtection And Control Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Protection And Control Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$70.2K

$122.8K

$191.4K

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

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Reston, VA is $122,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $135,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Protection And Control Engineer jobs near you
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Interface Engineering

Washington, DC • On-site

$102K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That's Redefining Flexibility and Growth
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer (MEP) - National Capital Region (Hybrid)
Interface Engineering Inc.
At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we're proud to offer our Collaboration from Home policy-giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office per week minimum) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Why Interface?
We're not just engineers-we're collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design. Our Pathway to Leadership program offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.
Our Culture
Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You'll find a workplace with a culture of fun, superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, innovative technology, and great relationships. You'll work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!
Our Core Values:
The following Core Values capture the essence of who we are. We live and breathe them, and they inform everything we do.
  • We are Conscientious.
  • We are Empowered.
  • We are Respectful.
  • We are Transformative.
  • We are Resilient.

What You Will be Doing:
As a Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer at Interface Engineering, your responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:
  • Fire alarm design
  • Fire alarm calculations
  • Fire and smoke modeling
  • Smoke control rational analysis development
  • Fire sprinkler system design
  • Water-based or special hazard-based fire protection systems design
  • Hydraulic and water supply calculations
  • Evaluation of existing building fire protection and alarm systems
  • Commissioning in fire alarm and fire protection systems
  • Special inspections
  • Building code analysis
  • Due diligence report generation
  • Client interaction
  • Multi-discipline coordination
  • Product selection and evaluation
  • Project specifications development
  • Providing exemplary service to fellow team members and clients

To Qualify for Application:
The successful Fire Protection Engineer candidate should have:
  • 8+ years' experience in fire protection system consulting and design.
  • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and I-Codes.
  • Specialization in code consulting, fire alarm/sprinkler systems, and other water-based systems design.
  • Excellent time management and communication abilities.
  • Previous project management and/or design lead experience.
  • Willingness to travel for site visits, meetings, and witness testing.
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (Revit, Autosprink for Revit, AutoCAD).

To Be Competitive for this Role:
Preferred qualifications include:
  • EIT or PE in Fire Protection
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm and/or Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout
  • Associates or bachelor's degree in Fire/Mech/Elec Engineering
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (REVIT and AutoCAD)

What You'll Love
  • Competitive Pay: $102,431 to $145,053 annual salary and conditional bonus
  • Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life & disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Year's
  • Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
  • Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities

Ready to grow with us?
If you're looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference-apply today and become part of the Interface Engineering family.
Social Equity:
Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications. We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) - using paid volunteer time.
Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.
Pay Range: $102,431 - $145,053 per year

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