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Protection Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualus

Engineer I - Protection & Control

Trussville, AL · On-site

Position Overview Power your future with Qualus as a Protection & Control Engineer through our Qualus University's 2026 Engineering Boot Camp! Our Engineering Boot Camp is a full-time Engineer I role ...

W3r Consulting

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Electrical Engineer/Protection & Control Engineer (Substation)

New Albany, OH · On-site

$42.34/hr

What You'll Do As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, analyzing, and implementing protection systems for electrical substations and transmission networks. Key ...

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How much do protection control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Protection Control Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protection Control Engineer jobs are:
Protection Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,044 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Protection & Control Engineer 2

Protection & Control Engineer 2

GAI Consultants

Homestead, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking a Protection & Control Engineer 2 for substation-related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, design reviews, QA/QC review, and enforcement related to all aspects of protection & controls design services. The successful candidate will work on various protection and control engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on a "Client First" approach to all interactions.
Job Duties:
  • Manage, design, and perform QA/QC checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangement, grounding, schematics and wiring, control and relaying panels and equipment wiring including coordinating with CAD operators to develop organized quality CAD drawings.
  • Integrate protection and control drawings to interface with the physical layout and design of substations.
  • Design of interfacing with SCADA systems and communications including RTUs, HMIs, and IEDs.
  • Development of control and relay panel layouts including assembling the specifications.
  • Creation of project criteria.
  • Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
  • Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
  • Design and sizing of conduit, cable, and backup generators.
  • Ordering long-lead item materials.
  • Point to Point checks.
  • Review junior engineer's designs, verify they meet client standards and specifications, and identify gaps in client's protection.
  • Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
  • Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients and attending project-specific meetings on a regular basis.
  • Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.
  • Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
  • Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
  • Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
  • Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
  • Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
  • Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings.
  • Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance.
  • Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
  • Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

General Characteristics
  • Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
  • Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Leads tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes.
  • Develops plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Selects appropriate principles of engineering economics, and probability and statistics to analyze risk in a complex engineering problem.

Minimum Years of Experience
  • 6+ Years of Experience

Education
  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Technical Responsibilities
  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process.
  • Prepares complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Designs and conducts analyses and interprets test data.
  • Begins to develop and reviews complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance.
  • Project and Task Management
  • Assigns tasks to other technical and non-technical staff.
  • Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work.
  • Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
  • Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects or projects.

Management Responsibility
  • Receives general direction on key objectives. Receives guidance on unconventional/complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.
  • Mentors junior staff by providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
  • Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments.

Communication Skills
  • Communicates effectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Why GAI?
GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that's committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.
Benefits To Working at GAI Include:
Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market based, competitive compensation
  • Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Company paid short-term and long-term disability
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work-Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
  • An additional floating holiday-use it for what matters to you
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

#INDHP
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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