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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

ENR top 500 firm at #170 We have a Controls Engineer position open in Columbia, MD. This position ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer to support infrastructure characterization ... Remain current on SCADA/ICS innovations, building management systems, and protective design ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer to support infrastructure characterization ... Remain current on SCADA/ICS innovations, building management systems, and protective design ...

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex ... Has thorough understanding of advanced electrical, fire protection, and HVAC systems operation ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

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Protection And Controls Engineer information

What is a protection and controls engineer?

Protection and Controls Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They ensure the reliable operation of substations and transmission networks by developing control schemes and selecting protective relays and devices. Their work helps prevent equipment damage, power outages, and safety hazards by quickly detecting and isolating electrical faults. These engineers collaborate with utility companies, work with advanced protective technologies, and play a critical role in maintaining grid stability and safety.

How does a protection and controls engineer typically collaborate with other teams during substation projects?

Protection and Controls Engineers frequently work in close partnership with design, commissioning, and operations teams during substation projects. They are responsible for coordinating relay settings, reviewing control schematics, and ensuring that protection systems align with overall project requirements. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers must integrate feedback from field technicians and project managers to address technical challenges and maintain system reliability. This collaborative environment helps ensure that all protection and control systems function safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection and controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection and Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, particularly in power systems, supported by a relevant degree and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and SCADA systems, along with knowledge of NERC and IEEE standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with teams and ensuring system reliability. These skills and qualifications are crucial to designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relays and control systems that ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical grids.

How much do protection and controls engineers make?

Protection and controls 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 in relay settings, SCADA systems, or certifications like PE or IEEE may earn higher salaries. Compensation can also vary based on the complexity of projects and the size of the employer.

What job categories do people searching Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Protection And Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA โ€ข On-site

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc.
Constructionย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$86K - $112K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and startโ€‘up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employerโ€‘sponsored work authorization, including Hโ€‘1B sponsorship.

Responsibilities
  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and startโ€‘up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope
Education

BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

Experience

Three to five yearsโ€™ experience in areas below:

  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
  • Strong interโ€‘personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 50%
Physical Demands of Position

Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment

Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Fullโ€‘time employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D
  • Long Term Disability
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • 401(k)/Profit Sharing
  • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Will Preparation Resources
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance

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.

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