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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Tuftco

Senior Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Senior Controls Engineer Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design ... protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Shaw Industries Inc

Controls Automation Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$74K - $98K/yr

Job Title Controls Automation Engineer Position Overview . Join a team where innovation meets ... overcurrent protection devices, AIC ratings, tap rules, grounding requirements, etc. * Basic ...

Wolf Engineering LLC

Senior Engineer - Mechanical

Dalton, GA · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

... fire protection, controls, and equipment requirements. * Evaluate energy-code requirements ... Mentor engineers and designers, provide timely technical feedback, and raise the technical ...

New

Signal Energy

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

$92K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with civil, structural, protection & controls, and SCADA teams to ensure integrated and ... Review engineering calculations, drawings, and specifications for technical accuracy ...

Signal Energy

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with civil, structural, protection & controls, and SCADA teams to ensure integrated and ... Review engineering calculations, drawings, and specifications for technical accuracy ...

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All JobsProtection And Controls Engineer JobsProtection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Protection And Controls Engineer information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$50.1K

$87.9K

$119.3K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and controls engineer in Chattanooga, TN is $87,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $98,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

For Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

Protection And Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,933 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Tuftco

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and evolve industrial control systems for machine platforms.

  • Architect control solutions including hardware selection, control software development, and system integration.

  • Support commissioning, troubleshoot complex control system issues, and provide technical guidance.

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer


Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, and evolve industrial control systems for advanced machine platforms. This role combines hands-on controls development with system architecture, hardware selection, R&D, and high-level technical troubleshooting.

You will take control systems from concept through commissioning—defining architecture, selecting and validating hardware, developing control software, integrating motion and communication systems, and ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability.

You will also help standardize control architectures to enable reuse across machines and support future automation platforms.


Key Responsibilities

Controls Development & System Architecture

  • Design and develop industrial control systems for new machines, platform migrations, and feature enhancements.
  • Architect full control solutions including PLCs, motion systems, drives, sensors, I/O, and industrial networks.
  • Develop, test, and maintain control software for complex automated systems.
  • Translate machine performance requirements into robust control strategies.
  • Debug and resolve system-level software and controls issues.
  • Develop reusable, standardized control architectures across platforms.


Hardware Ownership & Lifecycle Management

  • Select and validate controllers, drives, motors, sensors, and related hardware.
  • Ensure hardware meets performance, reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle requirements.
  • Manage component obsolescence and develop replacement strategies.
  • Evaluate and integrate next-generation hardware and technologies.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on system validation.


R&D & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead or support R&D initiatives for new platforms and automation technologies.
  • Improve internal standards, tools, and control system infrastructure.
  • Drive continuous improvement of control architectures and engineering practices.
  • Apply field and commissioning feedback to future designs.


Commissioning & Technical Support

  • Support commissioning and validation of control systems.
  • Act as escalation point for complex field service issues.
  • Perform root-cause analysis across controls, motion, hardware, and communications.
  • Provide technical guidance to engineering and service teams.


Required Qualifications

  • 8+ years designing, developing, and commissioning industrial control systems or similar automation systems.
  • Experience delivering control systems from concept through commissioning.
  • Strong background in closed-loop control, motion control, and real-time/embedded systems.
  • Ability to translate performance requirements into control system design.
  • Experience designing full control architectures (hardware, software, motion, I/O, networks).
  • Experience selecting and validating industrial hardware (PLCs, drives, motors, sensors, actuators).
  • Experience with industrial networks such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, or CANopen.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in complex electromechanical systems.
  • Experience considering reliability, maintainability, and obsolescence in design decisions.
  • Ability to independently lead complex controls projects.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Siemens experience (TIA Portal, S7-1500/1200, SINAMICS).
  • Experience building modular or standardized control architectures.
  • R&D experience in automation, motion control, or machine development.
  • Field service or manufacturing support experience.
  • Experience with hardware lifecycle management.


What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means bridging system-level thinking with hands-on execution. You understand not just how a control system works, but why a given architecture is optimal.

You build control systems that are precise, reliable, maintainable, and scalable across current and future machine platforms.


Tuftco is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.