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Protection Control Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

They will be required to maintain, install, repair, and troubleshoot complex control systems, protective relay systems (microprocessor and electro-mechanical); substation and electric utility ...

They will be required to maintain, install, repair, and troubleshoot complex control systems, protective relay systems (microprocessor and electro-mechanical); substation and electric utility ...

Lead Protection and Control Technician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

The Opportunity We are seeking a Lead Protection and Control Technician who thrives in complex environments, leads with confidence, and brings hands-on expertise to missioncritical projects. In this ...

Experience is desirable in any of the following related areas: substation design (including protection & control engineering); substation construction; substation commissioning; SCADA/Fault Data/SER ...

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Protection Control information

What is protection control?

Protection Control jobs involve the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protective relays and control systems in electrical power systems. Professionals in this field ensure the safe and reliable operation of substations and power grids by detecting faults and isolating affected sections to prevent damage and outages. These roles require strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, as well as experience with power system automation and safety standards. Protection Control specialists often work for utility companies, engineering firms, or industrial facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection control engineer?

To thrive as a Protection Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems, and relay protection principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as NERC/CIP compliance knowledge, is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance teamwork and troubleshooting efficiency. These abilities ensure the reliable operation and safety of power systems, minimizing outages and protecting critical infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in protection control, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Protection Control often encounter challenges such as coordinating between field teams and engineers during system testing, managing tight project deadlines, and staying current with evolving industry standards and technologies. Effective communication and meticulous documentation are essential to ensure system reliability and minimize errors. Additionally, ongoing training and collaboration with other departments, such as operations and maintenance, help address technical complexities and support professional growth.

What is the difference between Protection Control vs Relay Technician?

AspectProtection ControlRelay Technician
CertificationsPE, NICET, or equivalent; industry-specific trainingNICET certification; electrical or electronics training
Work EnvironmentPower plants, substations, utility companiesSubstations, power plants, maintenance facilities
Job FocusDesign, testing, and operation of protection systemsInstallation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of relays

Protection Control specialists focus on designing and managing protection systems to ensure electrical grid safety, while Relay Technicians primarily handle the installation and maintenance of relays. Both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, often working in similar environments within the power industry. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the electrical utility sector.

How to become a protection control engineer?

To become a protection control engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field is required. Gaining experience with power systems, protective relays, and control systems is essential, along with obtaining relevant certifications such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry standards and hands-on experience with protection devices and control schemes are also important for this role.

What job categories do people searching Protection Control jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection Control jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Protection Control jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Protection Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Protection Control job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Protection & Control Engineer/Specialist Job Family

NiSource

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


NiSource rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Job Summary: This position is responsible for the design review, installation, testing, and maintenance of the protection and control systems that safeguard NIPSCO's electric transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure. Performs P&C system troubleshooting and problem correction. Investigates electric system events and protection operations. Performs startup and commissioning of new T&D equipment. Performs NERC compliance activities. Documents and reviews compliance requirements. Performs fieldwork in an industrial setting with exposure to high voltage, electromagnetic fields, and hazardous materials. Work schedule can include extended hours or overnight stays out of the area. Personnel are subject to 24/7 emergency call out.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

  • Reviews project design drawings and verify field wiring to ensure strict adherence to proper relaying practices and NIPSCO standards.

  • Provides engineering support on site and directs various operating and construction personnel to ensure that all substation electrical equipment is installed, tested and operates properly.

  • Designs control scheme logic and originate protective relaying schematic diagrams for new substations or renovation projects.

  • Performs acceptance, calibration, functional testing and final load checks of protective relays and control schemes for new substations or renovation projects.

  • Performs field acceptance testing of new substation equipment (power transformers, high voltage circuit breakers, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, circuit reclosers, capacitor banks, and motor operated switches).

  • Performs scheduled inspection and functional test maintenance of protective relays and equipment control systems to ensure continued reliability.

  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the system monitoring equipment (Digital Fault Recorders and Sequential Event Recorders) located at critical transmission substations.

  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the electronic controls used in voltage regulating, power factor correction and circuit recloser equipment.

  • Provides technical assistance and engineering services to various departments within the company and to industrial and commercial customers.

  • Documents all equipment test data and maintain the most current version of substation electrical prints.

  • Provides the field-testing of the recommended grid installation to ensure adherence to design parameters.

  • Conducts substation power transformer loading and voltage surveys and maintains system distribution voltage levels in proper adjustment.

  • Provides training, assistance, and sets positive example for level 1 and 2 field engineers.

  • Respond anytime, day or night, to investigate and provide solutions to field problems with protective relaying control schemes or other substation equipment.

  • Must be able to carry test equipment up to 60 Ibs.

Qualifications

This role is part of the Protection & Control Engineer job family and may be filled at Associate Engineer, Engineer 1, Engineer 2, Engineer 3 or Senior Engineer level. The successful candidate will be selected at a level commensurate with education, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

Associate Engineer or Engineer 1

  • Graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology

  • Less than 1 year of experience for Associate Engineer & 1+ years of relevant job experience for Engineer 1

  • Knowledge of Electric Engineering

  • Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft 365 skills

  • Understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.

  • Understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

  • Ability to read/interpret drawings/standards to analyze/solve problems

  • Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

  • Ability to perform duties under close supervision

  • Good written and oral communication skills

  • Valid Driver's License

Desired Qualifications

  • Understanding of basic principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Engineer 2

  • 2+ years of Protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology

  • All the qualifications for Engineer 1 including:

    • Increased understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.

    • Increased understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

    • Ability to analyze troubleshoot protection & control schemes under limited supervision

    • Ability to execute moderate capital projects with limited supervision, which includes the ability to provide on-site technical support and direction of field personnel to ensure that all substation and line electrical equipment and P&C systems are installed, tested and operated properly.

    • Ability to perform scheduled maintenance of P&C systems to ensure reliability and compliance with NERC requirements with limited supervision.

    • Specific ability to use engineering PC applications (AutoCAD, AcSELerator QuickSet & RTAC, RTS, PowerBase).

Desired Qualifications

  • Understanding of basic principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Engineer 3

  • 4+ years of Protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology

  • All the qualifications for Engineer 2 including:

    • Proficient in written and oral communication skills

    • Ability to train level 1 & Level 2 engineers

    • Proficient in dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

    • Proficient in engineering/technical theories and principles

    • Proficient understanding in protection & control principles

    • Proficient ability to analyze and troubleshoot P&C schemes independently

    • Ability to analyze system events and provide summary reports to operational teams

    • Ability to devise and apply specific test procedures related to protective relay control systems

    • Proficient in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

    • Ability to work with customers or contractors on major projects and explain complex technical issues

    • Ability to complete complex P&C system modernizations & capital projects independently

    • Ability to operate complex electrical test equipment and accurately interpret results

    • Ability to perform P&C scoping for basic capital improvement projects

    • Specific ability to use engineering PC applications (AutoCAD, SEL AcSELerator, RTS, PowerBase)

Desired Qualifications

  • Proficient in principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Senior Engineer

  • 7+ years of protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology

  • All the qualifications for Engineer 3 including:

    • Skilled in written and oral communication skills

    • Skilled in engineering/technical theories and principles

    • Skilled in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

    • Skilled in dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

  • Ability to perform duties with increased latitude for un-reviewed work

  • Ability to design complex protection & control schemes for new substations or renovation projects. Performs detailed drawings reviews to ensure strict adherence to NIPSCO P&S standards. Provides guidance and support to external design firms.

Desired Qualifications

  • Demonstrated leadership

  • Skilled in principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • PE Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry

  • Ability to perform P&C scoping for complex capital improvement projects

Associate Engineer or Engineer 1: $69,900 - $105,000

Engineer 2: $82,200 - $123,200

Engineer 3: $96,600 - $144,900

Senior Engineer: $113,500 - $170,300


The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.


As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.


Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.


Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.


We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.


Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.


Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.


By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.


ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.comor 1-888-640-3320


Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.


E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.


  • E-Verify Poster(English and Spanish)
  • Right to Work Poster(English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:

$113,500.00 - $170,300.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-08-19

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-09-02Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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