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Protection Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Protection & Control Engineer , you will design and implement advanced protection and control systems that keep the grid safe, reliable, and ready for the energy transition. This role places you ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer , you will design and implement advanced protection and control systems that keep the grid safe, reliable, and ready for the energy transition. This role places you ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer , you will design and implement advanced protection and control systems that keep the grid safe, reliable, and ready for the energy transition. This role places you ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer , you will design and implement advanced protection and control systems that keep the grid safe, reliable, and ready for the energy transition. This role places you ...

The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Engineering Manager, NE Operations and requires ... control house panel layouts, relay selection, SCADA design, creation of bills of materials, and ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the design and development of utility substation Protection & Control (P&C) engineering design packages that include drawings such ...

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Fort Mill, SC

$90.10K - $118.60K/yr

FindTalent is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team onsite in South Carolina. This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the design and development of utility substation Protection & Control (P&C) engineering design packages that include drawings such ...

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the design and development of utility substation Protection & Control (P&C) engineering design packages that include drawings such ...

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Protection Control Engineer information

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$67.5K

$118K

$184K

How much do protection control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection control engineer in the United States is $118,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protection Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and relaying, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, often, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, CAD tools, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of NERC and IEEE standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you diagnose complex issues and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensuring the reliability, safety, and compliance of electrical protection systems in power networks.

What are some common challenges faced by Protection Control Engineers in coordinating with other departments during substation projects?

Protection Control Engineers often collaborate closely with design, operations, and field teams during substation projects. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication of complex protection schemes and relay settings to non-specialist colleagues, which is critical for successful project execution and system reliability. Additionally, aligning protection settings with evolving grid requirements and timelines can be demanding, as it requires balancing technical accuracy with project schedules and the input of multiple stakeholders. Proactive coordination and regular interdisciplinary meetings help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth project delivery.

What are Protection Control Engineers?

Protection Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and ensure reliable operation. They are responsible for configuring and testing protective relays, circuit breakers, and control systems that help prevent damage to equipment and minimize power outages. Their work is critical in utilities, substations, and power generation facilities to maintain system stability and safety. These engineers also analyze system disturbances and coordinate with other teams to troubleshoot and improve protection schemes.

What is the difference between Protection Control Engineer vs Protection Relay Technician?

AspectProtection Control EngineerProtection Relay Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, relevant certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized relay testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, engineering, and system integration in power plants or substationsField testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection relays
Employer & IndustryUtilities, power generation, transmission companiesSubstation service providers, utility companies, relay manufacturing firms

Protection Control Engineers focus on designing and implementing protection systems, while Protection Relay Technicians handle testing and maintaining relay equipment. Both roles are essential in ensuring power system reliability but differ in responsibilities and required skills.

More about Protection Control Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Protection Control Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Protection Control Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Protection Control Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Protection Control Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protection Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,044 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Protection & Control Engineer

Protection & Control Engineer

Electric Machine Control Inc

Trussville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Protection & Control Engineer
Location: Trussville, Alabama
Department: Engineering / Power Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Protection & Control (P&C) Engineer to join our engineering team in Trussville, Alabama. In this role, you will support the design, development, testing, and commissioning of protection and control systems for electric utility substations and related power infrastructure. You will work closely with engineers, designers, technicians, project managers, and customers to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality solutions.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work, detailed problem-solving, and seeing projects through from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design protection and control systems for substation and utility projects.
  • Prepare and review one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay logic, and control house drawings.
  • Develop or support relay settings, protection schemes, and coordination studies.
  • Review engineering drawings, field markups, and as-built documentation for accuracy and completeness.
  • Support SCADA and substation communication integration with protection and control systems.
  • Coordinate with relay technicians, CAD designers, field crews, and project managers throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provide technical support during testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
  • Troubleshoot protection, control, and communications issues in the field and in the office.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable utility standards, engineering practices, and safety requirements.
  • Maintain clear documentation and communicate technical information effectively.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in protection and control engineering, substation design, or a related utility engineering role.
  • Working knowledge of substation protection schemes, relay applications, and control circuit design.
  • Ability to read and interpret detailed electrical drawings and technical documentation.
  • Familiarity with protective relays, SCADA integration, and substation automation concepts.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with a team.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with major relay platforms such as SEL, GE, Siemens, ABB/Hitachi, or similar.
  • Familiarity with relay setting development, coordination studies, or short circuit analysis.
  • Experience supporting utility substation projects from design through commissioning.
  • EIT or PE certification, or progress toward licensure, is a plus.

Work Environment

This role may involve a combination of office and field work, including travel to substations and customer sites. Candidates should be comfortable working in both collaborative office settings and active field environments.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to work on meaningful projects that support critical infrastructure and reliable electric service. You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of technical challenges while working with a team that values quality, initiative, and professional growth.