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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84.40K - $109.20K/yr

... and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries ... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ...

Control Engineer 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84.40K - $109.20K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and ...

Control Engineer 3

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$83K - $107.30K/yr

... and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries ... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ...

Control Engineer 1

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$75.52K - $113.28K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protection And Control Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$69.8K

$122K

$190.2K

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $122,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $134,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,031 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Control Engineer 3

Control Engineer 3

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$84.40K - $109.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 351 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values, agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Controls Engineers 3 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customer's complex needs.
Responsibilities
Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.
    • Narrative Design Documents
    • Requirements Analysis
    • Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens/ Hardware / Communications)
    • Preparation of Specifications
    • Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
    • Plans and Designs Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing o Internal/External Comment Resolution
  • Programming
    • Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
    • Program / Configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
    • Author testing / commissioning procedures
    • Preparation of test reports
    • Originates test procedures
    • Commissioning of deployed systems
    • Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
    • Perform Factory and Field Testing
  • Maintenance
    • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
    • Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Managerial Responsibilities
  • Estimates
    • Conducts any surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required.
    • Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
    • Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
    • Evaluation and pricing of change orders
  • Personnel Management
    • Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers
    • Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff

Qualifications
Field Experience
  • Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans
  • Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration
  • Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems
  • Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools
  • Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software Tools / Software
  • Experience in computer networks
  • Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN)
  • Standard Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Requirements
  • Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 of the following platforms:
    • Siemens (SIMATIC)
    • Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) (Plant Pax preferred)
    • Schneider Electric (Modicon)
    • Tridium Niagara Framework
    • ABB (AC500, AC800M)
    • Omron
    • KMC Controls
    • Johnson Controls Metasys
    • Honeywell WEBS
    • Johnson Control FX
    • Siemens Desigo/Apogee
    • Distech Controls
    • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
    • GE Intelligent Platforms
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least 1 of the following platforms:
    • AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) InTouch, System Platform
    • Ignition by Inductive Automation
    • GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY)
    • Siemens WinCC
    • Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View
    • AVEVA (formerly Schneider Electric) Citect SCADA
    • Intellution FIX32/HMI32 (Historical) by GE Digital
    • VTScada by Trihedral Engineering Limited
    • AVEVA (OSIsoft PI) Historian

Preferred Licenses / Certifications
  • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
  • Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) In relevant in field
  • Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform, such as: Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, Niagara, etc.
  • Certification in one or more SCADA platform, such as: AVEVA, Rockwell, Iconics, Ignition, etc.

Education / Experience
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field 3+ years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of experience

Abilities
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Attend regular in-person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.

This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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