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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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... management, engineering, technical, or equivalent. Minimum of 2 years of project controls ... protected Veteran status.

Lead Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$104K - $137K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Lead Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$104K - $137K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$101K - $134K/yr

Apply a strong understanding of controls system components and machine automation (motors, sensors ... And because we understand the importance of feeling protected, there is no waiting period for ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$101K - $134K/yr

Apply a strong understanding of controls system components and machine automation (motors, sensors ... And because we understand the importance of feeling protected, there is no waiting period for ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$104K - $137K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$104K - $137K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting ... protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening. CRB does not accept ...

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We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting ... protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening. CRB does not accept ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protection And Controls Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$53.5K

$93.9K

$127.3K

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and controls engineer in Raleigh, NC is $93,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Protection and Controls Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the energy or utility sectors. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for this position alone.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Protection and Controls Engineers in specialized industries such as power generation, oil and gas, or large-scale manufacturing can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High salaries often reflect expertise in system design, automation, and safety standards, along with the ability to manage complex projects.

What are Protection and Controls Engineers?

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.

What does a protection and controls engineer do?

A protection and controls engineer designs, implements, and maintains systems that safeguard electrical equipment and power systems from faults and overloads. They analyze system performance, develop protective relay settings, and use control systems and software to ensure reliable operation, often working with standards like IEEE and using tools such as SCADA and relay testing equipment.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Protection and Controls Engineers in specialized industries such as power generation, oil and gas, or large-scale infrastructure can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, project management, or working in high-demand environments requiring expertise in electrical systems, control systems, and industry standards.

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 are popular job titles related to Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Protection And Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,878 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Senior Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Senior Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Cary, NC • Hybrid

$100K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 375 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This position offers you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the detailed electrical design and project management of high voltage substation projects. As a Senior Substation Engineer, you will:

  • Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution.
  • Work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical engineering issues.
  • Prepare reports that present technical and project information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and S&L formats.
  • Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice." 
  • In addition, you may have the opportunity to travel to client sites as needed.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree.
  • 5 or more years of experience in the design of Medium Voltage Power Systems.
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects under budget and time constraints.
  • Experience tracking project information such as: schedules and expenditures against budgets, preparing status reports and client interface.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications. 

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • A Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree is preferrable.
  • A degree from an ABET accredited engineering program.
  • 3 or more years of experience in the design of substations 138kV and above.
  • Ability to prepare substation grounding calculations, direct stroke shielding calculations, battery & charger sizing calculations, etc.
  • Physical layout and protection & controls experience.
  • Ability to work with Designer to develop substation single line diagrams, relaying & metering diagrams, DC schematic diagrams, substation plan & sections, grounding plans, etc.
  • Familiarity with ANSI/IEEE/NEMA standards as they relate to substation design. This includes the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI - C2).
  • PE license.
  • AutoCAD experience.
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$100,019 - $152,807Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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