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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

ENR top 500 firm at #170 We have a Controls Engineer position open in Columbia, MD. This position ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Must be able to wear the required personal protective equipment * Must be able to work at different ... Controls Engineering * Process Automation * Instrumentation * Industrial Networks * PLC Programming

Controls Engineer II

Frederick, MD · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

TAMKO is seeking a Controls Engineer to support our strategic mission and initiatives by developing ... protective equipment, if necessary. In addition to an attractive wage, this position offers a ...

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Protection Controls Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$53.4K

$93.7K

$127.1K

How much do protection & controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Maryland is $93,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protection & controls engineer?

A Protection & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical protection and control systems for power grids, substations, and industrial facilities. They ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems by developing protective relaying schemes, performing system studies, and troubleshooting faults. Their role involves working with relays, circuit breakers, SCADA systems, and automation technologies to prevent equipment damage and power outages. They collaborate with utilities, engineering teams, and field technicians to optimize system performance and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What does a protection & controls engineer do?

A Protection & Controls Engineer typically spends their day designing, reviewing, and testing protection and control systems for electrical substations and power grids. Daily tasks may include developing relay settings, performing fault analysis, creating wiring diagrams, and collaborating with project teams and field technicians to ensure accurate implementation. You will also troubleshoot and resolve issues in existing systems, update project documentation, and participate in meetings with clients or stakeholders. This role often balances independent technical work with teamwork, providing variety and opportunities to apply both engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection & controls engineer?

To thrive as a Protection & Controls Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical power systems, protection schemes, and control logic, usually backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and relay programming tools, as well as certifications like PE or NETA, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are key soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, minimize downtime, and support safe, reliable operation of critical power infrastructure.

What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,729 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD • On-site

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$88 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • A Top 5 Systems Integrator Giant
  • ENR top 500 firm at #170

We have a Controls Engineer position open in Columbia, MD. This position is responsible for electrical/controls engineering on large-scale projects. Project requirements involve control system design from scratch (hardware/software/network), electrical panel design and power calculations, risk assessment, component selection and configuration, control system programming, and control system installation/commissioning.

Major Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement control systems (logic software and hardware) to meet integrated system requirements in multiple industries.
  • Be part of an engineering team providing engineering services to large and small projects
  • Develop control logic software and user interface applications.
  • Develop schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software.
  • Assist with initial start-up and debug integrated systems and the development of system documentation.
  • Work on automation and control system integration projects for clients in industries such as power generation, pharma/biotech, water/wastewater, data centers, etc.
  • Adheres to scope, quality, schedule, and budget requirements of assigned tasks
  • Develops collaborative partnerships with clients and colleagues
  • Organized and disciplined with excellent time management practices that prioritize work correctly and provide accurate completion dates to management

Education BS Electrical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, or BS Chemical Engineering is preferred. An AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent experience may be substituted.

Experience Two to eight years of experience in or exposure to the areas below is preferred:

  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, ladder logic programming, SCADA programming, and their applications (i.e., Inductive Ignition, Wonderware InTouch, ICONICS Genesis64, or Rockwell Factory Talk.) Experience with instrumentation and controls design as well as PLC (i.e., Rockwell Automation, GE, Modicon, or Siemens) and/or SCADA required. Experience with AutoCAD and an understanding of basic electrical circuits is also desired
  • Working experience in the Life Sciences industry, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices is preferred, but not required if strong Emerson DeltaV experience from other industries

Physical Demands of Position Writing, computer work, variable travel amounts, fieldwork in industrial settings, seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment Standard office environment, On-site office environment, and diverse industrial environments. Frequent PC usage, copy machines, phones, etc.

Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D
  • Long Term Disability
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • 401(k)/Profit Sharing
  • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Will Preparation Resources
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance

Salary Range The expected pay range is $88,000 - $125,000 based on experience and qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

#LI-WM1

#LI-Hybrid

Qualifications Skills Behaviors Motivations Education Experience Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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