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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

What You'll Learn * Substation Protection & Controls concepts - How power system protection ... Produce complete engineering drawing packages based on directions from engineers and designers ...

What You'll Learn * Substation Protection & Controls concepts - How power system protection ... Produce complete engineering drawing packages based on directions from engineers and designers ...

Inside Sales Engineer I

Cleveland, TN ยท On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

ISE II - 18+ months SAMSON experience required, expert proficiency with IFS & c-SAM SAMSON Controls ... any other protected status. SAMSON provides employees with a work environment free from ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 10, 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.

How much do protection and controls engineers make in the US?

Protection and controls engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in automation, relay settings, and control systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,933 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Drafter I

Mesa Associates Inc.

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Mesa seeks an entry-level substation drafter that is looking to start their career in the electric power industry. This position is for our Power Delivery Substation group which supports various clients across the United States.

What Weโ€™re Looking for

  • Fast learner โ€“ You can pick up new concepts, standards, and software quickly.
  • Self-starter โ€“ Youโ€™ll get direction from senior engineers and designers, but youโ€™re comfortable hunting down answers on your own when the path isnโ€™t obvious.
  • Clear communicator โ€“ You feel comfortable reaching out to others with questions and can communicate professionally face-to-face, on the phone, and over email.
  • Location โ€“ Located within commuting distance of Chattanooga, TN or Knoxville, TN.

What Youโ€™ll Learn

  • Substation Protection & Controls concepts โ€“ How power system protection equipment (CTs, VTs, Relays, etc.) is connected and used within substations.
  • Design Software โ€“ Autodesk AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, etc.
  • Project lifecycle โ€“ How a project moves from conception, through design, to completion.
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration โ€“ Working alongside senior engineers, designers, project managers, and client personnel.

What Youโ€™ll Do

  • Work on a team of drafters, designers, and engineers
  • Produce complete engineering drawing packages based on directions from engineers and designers, including:
    • Single-line & three-line diagrams
    • Panel layouts and control house layouts
    • AC & DC schematics
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Bill-of-Materials and cable schedules
  • Work towards increasing your knowledge of client preferences and design standards

What Youโ€™ll Earn

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay โ€“ 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option
  • FSA and HSA Options

Notice to External Search Firms:ย Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.