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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Senior Controls Engineer

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

... controls and system integration with a strong focus on software design and programming * Ability to ... Must be able to be fitted for Personal Protective Equipment for certain customers * Standing and ...

... Controls is currently recruiting for a Senior Electrical Control Engineer to join our team in ... identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Smyrna, TN

$90K - $119K/yr

... controls and system integration with a strong focus on software design and programming * Ability to ... Must be able to be fitted for Personal Protective Equipment for certain customers * Standing and ...

Control Engineer 1

Blountville, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as ...

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Protection Controls Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$87.7K

$118.9K

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Tennessee is $87,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protection & Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 are the typical daily responsibilities of a Protection & Controls Engineer?

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 is a Protection & Controls Engineer job?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,652 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Early Career Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer - Hypersonics

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title:          Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer                     

Locations:        Arnold AFB, TN

Function/Branch:  O-Engineering

Directorate:     Test Operations

Position Type: Regular Full-Time        

Pay Type:         Exempt              

Sponsorship:    Position Not Sponsored            

Grade:               L06 (OA0606) - L07 (OA0705)

Salary Range:   Grade 06 - $78,000 - $100,000/ Grade 07 – $85,000 - $113,000 / year

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer supporting TOS II, at Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Arnold AFB, TN 37389. The Electrical Systems and Controls Engineer will be operating and maintaining the critical infrastructure that makes groundbreaking ground testing possible. You will command a diverse array of powerful systems—from massive electric motors and compressors to sophisticated control and data acquisition technologies. While we don't design vehicles, we create the extreme conditions they must endure. Your work is essential to providing our customers with the vital data they need to validate design and ensure flightworthiness for the next generation of aerospace systems.

Open to internal and external candidates.

 

Job Summary

The successful candidate will play a vital role in advancing national security by enabling the ground testing of next-generation supersonic and hypersonic systems. You will be responsible for the performance and readiness of major electrical equipment and facility control systems, applying your engineering skills to oversee operations, maintenance, and upgrades. We are looking for a dedicated problem solver to help us meet critical customer requirements and drive the future of defense technology.

 

Job Duties:

Some of the specific duties of electrical systems and controls engineer include:

  • Developing system and subsystem requirements
  • Systems configuration design including conceptual and detailed sketches and layouts, specifications and design calculations
  • Instrumentation and Control System design, development, maintenance, and/or operations support
  • Respond when systems malfunction, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer(s) for additional support) ensuring a timely return to service
  • System verification and validation in preparation for test execution
  • Update and maintain system documentation for systems of responsibility
  • Work with multiple organizations/stakeholders such as design engineering, fabrication shops, DoD client, and other contractors
  • Review design documents of equipment manufacturers or subcontractors and prepare comments and recommendations
  • Develop with Asset Health Assurance personnel advanced maintenance plans
  • Conduct and write up system safety hazard analyses and write clear work instructions for operation and maintenance
  • Assess and communicate risk to stakeholders
  • Develop estimates for improvement projects
  • Work with planners, schedulers, and craft supervisors to safely plan and execute projects including maintenance work, upgrades, and test projects
  • Assist craft personnel with troubleshooting and oversee their work; provide technical leadership and guidance
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

  • Grade 06: BS degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited college or university
  • Grade 07: BS degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited college or university plus a minimum of 2 years’ relevant engineering experience. An MS degree in addition to the BS eliminates any required experience.

NOTE: This posting is specifically for those engineers with less than 5 years engineering experience

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and access to the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Relevant internship or co-op experience
  • Educational concentration and/or work experience in low, medium, or high voltage power distribution.
  • Educational and/or work experience in dealing with electrical systems or electrical components of mechanical systems.
  • Educational or work experience in the application of control system theory for process and/or motion control applications, closed-loop feedback control systems, control systems using PLCs, PID control systems, and/or developing ladder logic and HMI software.
  • Ability to perform in a dynamic working environment with flexibility to meet mission demands
  • Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
  • Demonstrated proactiveness and initiative to drive to results
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
  • Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
  • Strong communication skills (including verbal and written) including the ability to convey complex technical information effectively to a broad audience
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

What We Offer

  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

 

Who We Are

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC’s rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC’s Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC’s capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.