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Protection Control Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

Position Overview Power your Future with Qualus as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer. As a Lead Substation P&C Engineer, you'll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design of ...

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

Position Overview Power your Future with Qualus as a Senior Protection & Control Engineer. As a Senior Substation P&C Engineer, you'll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design ...

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

Position Overview Power your Future with Qualus as a Senior Protection & Control Engineer. As a Senior Substation P&C Engineer, you'll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design ...

Position Overview Power your Future with Qualus as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer. As a Lead Substation P&C Engineer, you'll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design of ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Tennessee look for?

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

Infographic showing various Protection Control job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Engineer III - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

  • Design substation protection and control systems using applicable codes and client standards.
  • Produce one-line, three-line, AC and DC schematic, logic, functional, panel layout, wiring and connection, interconnection, communications, bill of materials, and SCADA system designs.
  • Develop protective relaying and control system designs for transmission and distribution substations.
  • Develop relay protection schemes, relay settings criteria, control philosophies, and engineering calculations.
  • Create equipment and material specifications for procurement, design scopes, and cost estimates.
  • Complete conceptual protection and control designs and layouts for new and existing substation facilities.
  • Prepare documentation supporting procurement, construction, commissioning, and operation/maintenance.
  • Lead or participate in client meetings and job site visits to collect or deliver engineering data, present solutions, resolve technical issues, and support project execution.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, vendors, and contractors.
  • Ensure compliance with QA/QC processes, including technical review and approval of engineering design packages.
  • Mentor and oversee junior engineers and designers by reviewing calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or a related engineering discipline) from an ABET accredited institution.
  • 4-7 years of experience in Substation Protection & Control design engineering.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent document management and organization skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact professionally with clients and stakeholders.
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Substation Protection and Control System Design, including the development of relay protection schemes and engineering calculations. Proficient in producing detailed engineering documentation and specifications while ensuring compliance with QA/QC processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Substation Protection & Control Design Engineering
  • Relay Protection Schemes Development
  • Engineering Calculations
  • Microsoft Office Proficiency
  • Client Interaction and Communication
Hard Skills
  • Substation Design
  • Relay Settings Criteria
  • Functional Design
  • SCADA System Design
  • Wiring and Connection Diagrams
  • Bill of Materials Preparation
  • Technical Documentation
  • Engineering Specifications
  • Conceptual Design
  • QA/QC Compliance
Soft Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Document Management
  • Organization Skills
  • Team Collaboration
  • Verbal Communication
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Industry Keywords
  • Transmission and Distribution Substations
  • Protective Relaying
  • Control Philosophies
  • Engineering Design Packages
  • Project Execution
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