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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Controls Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Sr. Controls Engineer serves as the site technical authority for industrial ... Wear department required, employer provided, personal protection equipment (PPE) * Be able to ...

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Sr. Controls Engineer serves as the site technical authority for industrial ... Wear department required, employer provided, personal protection equipment (PPE) * Be able to ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer to support infrastructure characterization ... Remain current on SCADA/ICS innovations, building management systems, and protective design ...

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

The Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex ... Has thorough understanding of advanced electrical, fire protection, and HVAC systems operation ...

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex ... Has thorough understanding of advanced electrical, fire protection, and HVAC systems operation ...

Controls Engineer

Forest, VA · On-site

$87K - $150K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical ... And because we understand the importance of feeling protected, there is no waiting period for ...

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Protection Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$95.7K

$129.9K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Virginia is $95,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $107,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.

$85 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 hours 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
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Richmond, VA.This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.

  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

EducationBS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

ExperienceThree to five years’ experience in areas below:

  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
  • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Physical Demands of PositionSeeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working EnvironmentStandard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

*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

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-WM1

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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