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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Service Controls Engineer

Shakopee, MN ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... protected by law.Position Summary:As our Service Controls Engineer for the Data Center Cooling service team, you will diagnose, troubleshoot, and help resolve complex controls, automation, and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

EOSYS is growing and currently hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to join our talented team. Why ... Must be able to be fitted for Personal Protective Equipment for certain customers * Standing and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

EOSYS is growing and currently hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to join our talented team. Why ... Must be able to be fitted for Personal Protective Equipment for certain customers * Standing and ...

Controls Engineer (51041)

Maple Grove, MN ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer. The ideal candidate will ... any other legally protected status. Employment decisions at MAS HVAC are based on merit ...

Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is hiring a Senior Microgrid Controls ... Experience with multi-function protection relay based controls. Ability to clearly communicate ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Senior Systems Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation & Power Direct Hire | Shoreview, MN ... a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected ...

Showing results 21-40

Protection And Controls Engineer information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$57.4K

$100.8K

$136.7K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and controls engineer in Minneapolis, MN is $100,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $112,700.00 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 Minneapolis, MN?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:

Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,804 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

$89K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Cooling the Cloud. Protecting the Planet
Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running - from liquid cooling to large-scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world's most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.
We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.
Our culture is hands-on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you'll feel at home.
With the backing of Madison Air, we have the scale, stability, and manufacturing footprint to support complex, high-growth programs.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at https://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/
Nortek Data Center Cooling. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position Summary:
As our Service Controls Engineer for the Data Center Cooling service team, you will diagnose, troubleshoot, and help resolve complex controls, automation, and software-related issues in mission critical HVAC and data center cooling environments. This role requires strong practical knowledge of electronic and digital control systems, building automation systems, communication protocols, controls networks, DDC controllers, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and sequence of operation logic. You will perform field troubleshooting and root cause analysis, test and validate software or logic changes, and provide clear technical guidance to customers, commissioning teams, engineering, manufacturing, sales representatives, and service leadership. The ideal candidate is customer-facing, hands-on, and comfortable working through ambiguous field issues while adding deeper controls and automation capability to complement the existing service team.
Position Key Attributes:
  • Ability to personally live safely and hold themselves and other team members accountable by having their back in support of our Safety core value.
  • Has integrity, works transparently, and is recognized for treating others with respect.
  • Takes accountability to create and execute solutions that deliver desired results and can "own it" in a Performance Driven Culture.
  • Works collaboratively as one team in a Teamwork culture.
  • Enjoys embracing and igniting change as a catalyst for improvement.

Position Responsibilities:
  • Perform field troubleshooting and root cause analysis for controls, automation, and software-related issues on data center cooling equipment.
  • Review client sequences of operation, identify logic discrepancies, and recommend or validate corrective logic changes to ensure system performance meets customer expectations.
  • Troubleshoot BAS/DDC control architectures, including controllers, relays, actuators, measurement devices, sensors, instrumentation, and associated field devices.
  • Support controls network troubleshooting, including BACnet, Modbus, device communications, integration points, addressing, and system-level connectivity issues.
  • Troubleshoot PLC programs and control logic in coordination with engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning teams.
  • Support VFD startup, commissioning, diagnostics, and corrective action planning for fielded systems.
  • Tune and troubleshoot control loops, validate sensor and instrumentation accuracy, and document corrective actions clearly.
  • Review work orders, blueprints, schematic diagrams, control drawings, and related materials to determine tasks required for commissioning, rework, or corrective action.
  • Manage challenging field issues with the objective of minimizing customer impact while balancing practical cost, schedule, and resource realities for the company.
  • Provide superior customer service to internal and external customers, advise leadership on customer satisfaction and field performance, and recommend product or process improvements.

Position Qualifications
Requirements:
  • Minimum of an engineering degree with two years of direct field experience or four years of equivalent related field experience in HVAC, controls, building automation, or mission critical cooling systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems, DDC controllers, PLCs, VFDs, and related building subsystems.
  • Strong working knowledge of building automation communication protocols, including BACnet, Modbus, and other common BAS or equipment-level protocols.
  • Experience troubleshooting controls hardware, software, device communications, network integration issues, sensors, instrumentation, and system-level control architectures.
  • Ability to review and interpret sequences of operation and identify logic issues, control gaps, or corrective actions needed to meet the intent of the design.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis, document findings, and communicate technical recommendations clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time to various job sites or factories for equipment-related work.
  • Superior analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, schematics, controls drawings, and manuals.
  • Excellent customer service skills, professional communication, and the ability to work independently or drive results across cross-functional teams in a timely manner.

Preferred:
  • Four or more years of experience installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, or supporting controls systems for mission critical HVAC or data center cooling environments.
  • Building Automation Systems experience with companies such as Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Trane Controls, Distech, Automated Logic, or similar platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and software or logic validation in fielded equipment.
  • Experience with VFD startup, commissioning, diagnostics, and system-level corrective action planning.
  • Experience tuning and troubleshooting control loops and validating sensor or instrumentation performance.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, or testing software programs necessary to operate equipment per project requirements and sequences of operation.
  • Strong administrative experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint with the ability to present clearly and professionally to data center clients.