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Protection Control Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation equipment, structure and layout considerations, protection & control device applications ...

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site +1

$97K - $124K/yr

With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation equipment, structure and layout considerations, protection & control device applications ...

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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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Protection Control jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Protection Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Protection Control job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Jobtailor

Walled Lake, MI โ€ข On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

  • Lead and coordinate the design of protection, control, and metering systems for electrical substations (12 kV to 500 kV)
  • Take ownership of project-level deliverables, ensuring quality, completeness, and alignment with client and project requirements
  • Serve as Project Lead on assigned projects, including: Developing and reviewing one-line diagrams, protection schematics, and wiring diagrams
  • Leading the preparation of panel layouts and interconnection drawings
  • Preparing and reviewing engineering documents, specifications, and construction packages
  • Supporting development of outage staging, inspection, and testing plans
  • Provide technical oversight and perform design reviews of work completed by EITs and designers
  • Support construction and commissioning activities, including troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in the field
  • Participate in and lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and inspections
  • Act as a technical point of contact for clients, supporting design reviews, constructability discussions, and project coordination
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil/structural, physical, telecom, etc.) to ensure integrated and coordinated designs
  • Support project delivery by managing scope, schedule, and budget for assigned work packages
  • Contribute to continuous improvement, quality assurance, and development of internal standards and best practices
  • Mentor and support the development of junior engineers and designers
Requirements
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada, or eligible for registration
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in utility protection, control, and metering design, preferably within transmission and distribution projects
  • Demonstrated experience leading design efforts and coordinating technical deliverables on projects
  • Experience working with BC Hydro or similar utilities is considered a strong asset
  • Familiarity with substation protection and control systems, including relaying schemes, AC/DC schematics, and station design practices
  • Exposure to SCADA and automation systems design and implementation is considered an asset
  • Understanding of utility maintenance and operational practices is an asset
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, technically sound solutions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams
  • Proven ability to lead work, manage priorities, and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD; familiarity with protection and controls tools or relay software is an asset
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in the design and coordination of protection, control, and metering systems for electrical substations, with a strong focus on project management, technical oversight, and client engagement. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers while ensuring quality and compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Electrical Engineering Degree
  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Registration
  • Utility Protection and Control Design
  • Project Management
  • AutoCAD Proficiency
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • Protection Schematics
  • Wiring Diagrams
  • One-Line Diagrams
  • Panel Layouts
  • Interconnection Drawings
  • Engineering Document Preparation
  • Outage Staging Plans
  • Testing Plans
  • SCADA Systems Design
  • Relay Software Familiarity
Soft Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Mentoring
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)
Industry Keywords
  • Electrical Substations
  • Transmission and Distribution
  • BC Hydro
  • Utility Maintenance Practices
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
Tools & Technologies
  • AutoCAD
  • Protection and Controls Tools
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