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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Data Center Controls Engineer, Deployment

Stafford, VA · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a Data Center Controls Engineer you will: • Troubleshoot and perform ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

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All JobsProtection & Controls Engineer JobsProtection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Protection Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.
Controls Engineer (Mid-level)- Richmond, VA

Controls Engineer (Mid-level)- Richmond, VA

Dubak Electrical

Richmond, VA • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Dubak Electrical Group LLC is seeking a skilled and experienced Controls Engineer due to growth and expansion. The Controls Engineer will design, develop, and maintain control systems for our manufacturing and automation processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and electrical design, ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and safety of our systems. Compensation and responsibilities will be based on experience, technical capability, and demonstrated competency.
Controls Engineer (Mid-level)
Typical Compensation Range: $85,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Experience: Typical 3-8 years
  • Independently executes design, programming, and commissioning tasks
  • Works under the direction of senior-level engineers and engineering manager
  • Owns subsystems or small projects
  • Regular client and field interaction
  • Performs service call for local clients
  • Ability to maintain project schedules
  • Contributes to project planning and execution
  • Ensures efficiency and client value
  • Writes technical scope of work and ability to estimate small controls projects

Primary position responsibilities, not limited to other tasks that may be assigned according to the project or needs of our client:
  • Electrical & Controls Design capability and working knowledge using AutoCAD
  • Develop, procurement, and material tracking utilizing control system bill of materials.
  • Experience and working knowledge of UL508A Standards
  • Design and review electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
  • Conduct testing, validation, and debugging of control systems.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
  • Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams
  • Develop and implement automation and control strategies for manufacturing processes.
  • Perform system integration, including motor controls, sensors, and network communication.
  • Perform programming and troubleshooting of PLC's, HMI's, VFD's, Motion Control Systems, Safety Systems, Instrumentation, and Process Controls
  • Ability to troubleshoot, install, maintain, repair, program, and specify for new installation or replacement of AC drives, control panel hardware, field instrumentation, and legacy PLC systems
  • Troubleshooting control system issues, helping support existing client applications, general client communication
  • Control System Programming: SCADA, HMI, and PLC code development
  • Develop functional design specifications, system manuals, FAT/SAT documentation, and submittals.
  • Lead control and automation projects utilizing skills in client technical sales, scope development, project engineering
  • Work within project teams consisting of clients, electrical engineers, control system programmers, and information system programmers to deliver integrated automation solutions
  • Provide plant check-out, commissioning, and start-up services at customer sites
  • Protection relay and power meter design, installation, and commissioning
  • Ability to mentor other engineers on the team
  • Review, modify, amend specifications and clauses
  • Traveling for this position is required, estimated at up to 60%

Qualifications for this position:
The level of responsibility, independence, and technical depth associated with the qualifications below will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and demonstrated competence.
  • Degree or certification in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
  • Mid-level experience, typically 3-8 years, based on demonstrated technical competency and independence
  • Mid-level experience in engineering and development of integrated controls system solutions for container handling, packaging systems, line integration, batch or process-based manufacturing systems, control panel design, power metering
  • Experience or knowledge in HMI programming.
    • Primary HMI systems include Allen Bradley / Rockwell FactoryTalk View, ME/SE and Ignition
  • Experience or knowledge in PLC programming.
    • Primary PLC systems include Allen Bradley / Rockwell RSLogix 5/500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000 and Connected Components Workbench (CCW)
  • Familiarity with control panel design and electrical schematics
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with clients, engineers, electricians, and operations personnel.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office products
  • Familiarity with BlueBeam
  • Ability of working independently and within a team
  • Ability to interpret plans and specifications
  • Experience in design, programming, or maintaining building automation systems utilizing Niagara 4 software is a plus
  • Understanding of robotics, vision systems, and motion control is a plus
  • Final position level, title, and compensation will be determined based on experience, technical capability, and ability to perform independently.

Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Training Reimbursement Program
  • Positive Work/Life Balance
  • Opportunity for Advancement

Dubak Electrical Group, LLC and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, membership or activity in a local commission, veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.

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