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Protection Control Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Pest Control Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

We are extremely proud of our legacy of excellence and constantly work to fulfill our mission to "protect people, enhance lives, and preserve the planet." What do our Pest Control Technicians do? The ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Design, review, and evaluate fire protection and life safety systems, including fire detection, alarm, suppression, and smoke control systems * Perform fire hazard analyses, life safety assessments ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Design, review, and evaluate fire protection and life safety systems, including fire detection, alarm, suppression, and smoke control systems * Perform fire hazard analyses, life safety assessments ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Design, review, and evaluate fire protection and life safety systems, including fire detection, alarm, suppression, and smoke control systems * Perform fire hazard analyses, life safety assessments ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Design, review, and evaluate fire protection and life safety systems, including fire detection, alarm, suppression, and smoke control systems * Perform fire hazard analyses, life safety assessments ...

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Protection Control information

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Protection Control specialists in the energy sector, such as high-level electrical engineers or project managers, can earn around $3,000 daily through specialized skills, certifications, and experience managing large-scale electrical systems. These roles often require advanced technical knowledge, safety training, and sometimes on-call or emergency response duties. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and project complexity.

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.

What does a protection and control technician do?

A protection and control technician installs, maintains, and tests electrical protection systems and control equipment used in power systems to ensure safety and reliability. They troubleshoot issues, calibrate devices, and may work with relays, circuit breakers, and automation systems, often requiring knowledge of electrical standards and safety protocols.

What are Protection Control jobs?

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 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 3 month rule for jobs?

In protection control jobs, the 3 month rule often refers to a probationary period during which an employee's performance and suitability are evaluated before permanent employment is confirmed. This period allows employers to assess skills, reliability, and fit for the role, and may involve specific training or certifications. After successful completion, employees typically gain full employment benefits and job security.

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 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Protection Control engineers, who design and maintain systems for electrical grid stability and safety, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually at senior levels or in specialized roles within the energy or utility industries. High compensation often correlates with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand environments such as power plants or large-scale electrical infrastructure projects.
What job categories do people searching Protection Control jobs in Ashburn, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Protection Control jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
Infographic showing various Protection Control job openings in Ashburn, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

SNC-Lavalin

Washington, DC

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job DescriptionOverview

We are seeking aSenior Engineer - Protection & Control to join our team in the Boston, MA or another AtkinsRealis US Based Officeto lead and work on various Power Substation and P&C Engineering projects. The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Protection & Controls Technical Manager and requires working independently on fast paced technically complex design projects. Senior P&C Engineers are responsible for supporting or leading substation engineering project teams, with the development of one-line diagrams for Substations, relay one-line diagrams, three lines, schematics and elementaries, wiring and interconnections, control house panel layouts, relay selection, SCADA design, creation of bill of materials, and cable schedules. We are open to possibility of a hybrid work schedule depending on location.

Your role
  • Work within a multi-discipline team to develop efficient and reliable electrical design packages for medium and high voltage substations.

  • Coordinate design activities to maintain project schedules, budget, quality requirements to ensure successful project completion.

  • Assist in site visits and station walkdowns, estimating, and attending project meetings.

  • Accountable to provide design activities in accordance with applicable codes and standards, including AtkinsRealis's policies and procedures, such as Safety, Environmental, Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

  • Design electrical substation facilities including; one lines, three lines, schematics and elementaries, wiring and interconnections, P&C calculations, and reports, etc.

  • Prepare specifications for material, equipment, and construction work.

  • Deliver accurate and thorough electrical designs that will meet industry standards and specifications, and meet prudent engineering practices.

  • Review internal and external designs for code compliance, good design practice and constructability.

  • Coordinate design activities with other multi-discipline project team members.

  • Provide construction support including resolving site queries, attending site meetings, and performing site inspections during the construction phase of projects.

  • Maintain complete project documentation with respect to engineering studies and calculations, all design packages, as-built requirements and return data information.

  • Maintain good working relationships with internal groups that support projects such as other engineering disciplines, Drafting, Project Management etc.

  • Mentor and provide guidance to developing engineers within the department.

About you
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.

  • A Professional Engineer (PE) registration (or eligible for registration) is preferred.

  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in P&C electrical design.

  • Prior utility or utility consulting experience is preferred.

  • Experience with IEC61850/Goose Messaging is a plus.

  • Experience with relay settings is a plus.

  • Knowledge of modern power systems, power system protection and transmission & distribution system.

  • A high level of interpersonal communication skills, including a strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills.

  • Knowledge of applicable industry standards including the National Electric Code (NEC), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and IEEE. Ability to perform independently and in a team environment and provide project ownership.

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD (MicroStation experience is a plus).

  • Strong client focus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Additional hours may be necessary as workload dictates.

  • Travel to client sites may be required.

Rewards & benefits

At AtkinsRealis, our values-Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence-are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRealis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.

About AtkinsRealis

We're AtkinsRealis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Expected compensation range is between $110,000 - $150,000 annually for 10 years+, depending on level of utility-based experience, leadership experience, skills, licensure, and geographical location.

Are you ready to expand your career with us? Apply today and help us shape something extraordinary.

AtkinsRealis is an equal opportunity, Drug-Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability

Please review AtkinsRealis' Equal Opportunity Statement here.

AtkinsRealis cares about your privacy and is committed to protecting your privacy. Please consult our Privacy Notice on our Careers site to know more about how we collect, use and transfer your Personal Data. By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRealis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice.

Note to staffing and direct hire agencies:

In the event a recruiter or agency who is not on our preferred supplier list submits a resume/candidate to anyone in the company, AtkinsRealis family of companies, we explicitly reserve the right to recruit and hire the candidate(s) at our discretion and without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/recruitment-agencies

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Worker TypeEmployeeJob TypeRegular

At AtkinsRealis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.