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Protection Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Engineering Company

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Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Reading, PA · Remote

$135K - $175K/yr

BSEE or MSEE. * 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in protection and control engineering with a thorough knowledge of applicable theories, practices and accepted procedures ...

AtkinsRéalis

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team in Binghamton, NY or Rochester, NY . About Us AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. For ...

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Protection Control Engineer information

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How much do protection control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,044 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Substation Engineering Company

Reading, PA • Remote

$135K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Lead level electrical engineering position focusing on the performance of both routine and complex activities and tasks related to the design of high voltage substations (15kV to 765kV).


Typical duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Provides estimating, engineering, and design analysis for new and retrofit switchyard and substation projects up to 765kV.
  • Designs and modifies relaying one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, relay panels, DC and AC auxiliary systems, and SCADA systems.
  • Performs calculations such as short circuit, voltage drop, circuit ampacities, etc.
  • Performs short-circuit grounding and lightning protection analysis.
  • Prepares material specifications.
  • Monitors budget and schedule for assigned tasks.
  • Works in a team environment, coordinating requirements with other engineering and design disciplines.
  • Provides technical direction to subordinate team members.
  • Holds responsibility for the quality assurance of the documents to the applicable company and client standards.


Desired Education, Experience, and Training:

  • BSEE or MSEE.
  • 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in protection and control engineering with a thorough knowledge of applicable theories, practices and accepted procedures, particularly in the area of relay settings.
  • Professional Engineering license required.
  • Experience with relay settings preferred.
  • Ability to quickly develop broader knowledge through performing structured functional assignments, such as collecting and analyzing data related to specific tasks.
  • Independently works through individual projects and/or takes the lead role in broader projects.
  • Computer proficiency required as well as strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail as well as ability to meet deadlines and complete assignments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Commitment to customer service and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Company Description

Substation Engineering Company (SECo) is a full-service engineering and design firm delivering high-quality solutions to electric utilities nationwide. Our expertise spans substation, switchyard, transmission, and distribution projects, enhanced by advanced laser scanning and 3D modeling capabilities. We integrate strong engineering fundamentals with efficient, forward-thinking processes to deliver safe, reliable, and constructible solutions for critical infrastructure.
In partnership with Tier 1 Utility Design, Inc. (Tier 1), a certified woman-owned engineering firm, we cultivate a collaborative, engineering-driven environment where ideas are shared openly, challenges are addressed proactively, and technical excellence is the standard. Our team is committed to ownership, continuous improvement, and a supportive culture that values both professional growth and work–life balance.