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Protection Control Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Judge Group, Inc.

Sr. Relay Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $100/hr

This role is ideal for experienced professionals with expertise in protection & control systems, relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and substation operations . The Senior Relay Technician ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Protection Control jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Protection Control jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protection Control jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection Control jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Protection Control jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Protection Control job openings:

Protection Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection Control job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer - Protection & Controls/Physical - Substations - Power and Energy

Chicago, IL • On-site

Atwell, LLC
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Atwell, LLCexternal

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Apply core electrical engineering principles to the design of high-voltage systems such as substations, T&D, and utility-scale renewables

  • Lead engineering tasks from project kickoff through to design package completion and prepare technical documentation

  • Design P&C packages including one-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relays, and communication diagrams, and develop relay settings and perform arc flash and coordination studies

Atwell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Who We Are

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000+ passionate team members across 75+ locations and growing!

Atwell, LLC is a proud recipient of the following 2025 awards:

  • Ten consecutive years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" by Zweig Group (#11)
  • Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region
  • Recognized in Crain's "Fast 50" as one of the fastest-growing companies (#14)
  • Recognized as the 2025 ENR Design Firm of the year for the Southeastern US

Atwell is seeking an Electrical Engineer to join our growing Power & Energy team. We are a full-service consulting firm specializing in the design and execution of power generation and power delivery systems across a range of markets: utility-scale wind, solar, BESS, and high-voltage substations, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful renewable energy projects, collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams, and grow within an innovative, mission-driven organization.

What You'll Do

  • Apply core electrical engineering principles to the design of high-voltage systems (substations, T&D, utility-scale renewables)
  • Lead engineering tasks from project kickoff through to design package completion
  • Collaborate with civil, structural, SCADA, and protection & control engineers to deliver integrated project solutions
  • Prepare technical documentation: one-line diagrams, studies, specs, reports, BOMs, proposals, and client-facing deliverables
  • Ensure designs meet NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA, ANSI, and other industry standards
  • Support project managers with estimating, proposal writing, and client communication
  • Participate in interdisciplinary reviews and QA/QC efforts across engineering teams
  • Occasionally travel (less than 20%) for field walkdowns, client meetings, or construction support

Focus Areas (Team Dependent)

Protection & Control (P&C)

  • Design P&C packages: one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relays, communication diagrams, SCADA points
  • Conduct battery sizing, voltage drop, and conduit fill calcs
  • Develop relay settings and perform arc flash and coordination studies
  • Interface with SCADA/RTAC systems and vendors for major equipment submittals

Electrical Studies

  • Perform studies: short circuit, load flow, grounding, insulation coordination, harmonics, arc flash, etc.
  • Use software tools such as ETAP, CYMCAP, PSS/E, SKM, ASPEN, PSCAD, EMTP, and more
  • Draft interconnection studies and evaluate compliance with utility or ISO requirements
  • Translate technical findings into clear client-facing reports

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET Accredited)
  • 5–10+ years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus in power systems, renewable energy, or substations
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, MS Office, and at least one power system analysis software

Pay Range - $90,000 - $150,000

Disclaimer 

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

#LI-TK1

Atwell Benefits: To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.

Work/Life:

  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible work schedules are available for some positions
  • Tenure Awards — Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

  • Competitive Compensation packages 
  • Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
  • 401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation 
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Student Loan Repayment 
  • Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals
  • Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure
  • Employee Referrals 
  • Annual Wellness Reimbursement for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)
  • Dependent Care Match

'Atwell'ness:

  • Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)
  • Family Planning & IVF Benefits
  • Pet Insurance
  • Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options
  • Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
  • Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
  • Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services

What Atwell employees say

Pay

Benefits

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