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Protection Control Jobs in Charlotte, NC (NOW HIRING)

FindTalent

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

FindTalent is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team onsite in South Carolina. This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for ...

ABB

Protection and Control Engineer

NC · Remote

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to act as the technical lead for all engineering activities in assignments. Each day, you will ensure the activities related to all ...

ABB

Protection and Control Engineer

Bessemer City, NC · Remote

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to act as the technical lead for all engineering activities in assignments. Each day, you will ensure the activities related to all ...

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All JobsProtection Control JobsProtection Control Jobs in Charlotte, NC

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 are popular job titles related to Protection Control jobs in Charlotte, NC?

For Protection Control jobs in Charlotte, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protection Control jobs in Charlotte, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection Control jobs in Charlotte, NC are:

What cities near Charlotte, NC are hiring for Protection Control jobs?

Cities near Charlotte, NC with the most Protection Control job openings:

Protection Control jobs near you

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

FindTalent

Fort Mill, SC • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

FindTalent is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team onsite in South Carolina. This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for substations and high-voltage transmission projects. As a senior technical leader, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards, and mentoring a team of engineers.

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in substation protection schemes, relay settings and programming, grounding and fault studies, and commissioning support, along with proven leadership skills. Projects will span across renewable generation interconnections (solar, wind, battery storage) and traditional transmission/distribution infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.

  • Perform and review system studies including load flow, short-circuit, arc flash, grounding, and coordination analysis.

  • Develop, implement, and validate protective relay settings to ensure reliable system operation.

  • Direct relay programming, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.

  • Review and approve P&C drawings, schematics, and technical specifications for accuracy and compliance.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes.

  • Ensure strict compliance with industry standards (IEEE, NERC, NFPA, NEC, NESC) and regulatory requirements.

  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables to meet organizational and client expectations.

  • Prepare and present technical reports, study results, and recommendations.

  • Support proposal development, scope definitions, and technical evaluations as needed.

Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.

  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).

  • 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in protection and control within the utility or consulting sector.

  • Strong expertise in substation protection philosophies, relay logic, and power system studies.

  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Proficiency in the following software:

    • Microsoft Office Suite

    • AutoCAD Electrical (preferred)

    • Bluebeam (preferred)

    • ARCGIS (preferred)

    • Power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, ASPEN, or CYME)

    • Relay setting software (e.g., AcSELerator, DIGSI, SEL Compass)

    • Protective relay testing & commissioning tools (preferred)

Additional Information:

  • This is a full-time onsite role based in South Carolina.

  • Occasional travel may be required for site visits, testing, and commissioning (up to 15%).

  • Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

  • Flexibility to work extended hours when project deadlines require.

Why Join Us?
At FindTalent, we connect skilled professionals with industry-leading companies shaping the future of power and energy infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to lead mission-critical protection and control projects while advancing your career in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Apply today to step into a leadership role as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer!