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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68K - $102K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Winchester, VA · On-site

$65K - $97K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$77K - $100K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Manassas, VA · On-site

$72K - $108K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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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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 Programmer - FieldFocused Industrial Automation

Controls Programmer - FieldFocused Industrial Automation

JSET Automated Technologies

Sterling, VA • On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Controls Programmer – FieldFocused Industrial Automation

Location: Sterling, VA
Travel: Regional travel for commissioning and field support

Position Summary

The Controls Programmer develops, implements, and troubleshoots control programs for industrial and building automation systems. This is a handson, fieldconnected programming role, supporting commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting at active job sites-not a deskonly programming position.

Controls Programmers translate sequences of operation into working logic, graphics, alarms, and trends for BMS, EPMS, and SCADA systems.

Key Responsibilities
  • Program DDC controllers and/or PLCs using approved standards
  • Build control logic, point databases, alarms, trends, and schedules
  • Develop HMI/graphics for operator and maintenance use
  • Support field commissioning and functional testing activities
  • Troubleshoot logic, I/O, communications, and device issues onsite
  • Configure and document BACnet and Modbus communications
  • Maintain backups, version control, and accurate configuration documentation
  • Support FAT/SAT testing and commissioning checklists
Required Skills & Experience
  • 2–4 years of industrial or building automation programming experience
  • Experience with platforms such as:
    • Niagara
    • Ignition
    • PLCbased systems (Rockwell preferred)
  • Strong understanding of control sequences and realworld system behavior
  • Ability to troubleshoot systems in live operational environments
  • Comfort working on job sites, in electrical rooms, and with field teams

Equal Opportunity Employer

JSET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Work Authorization

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

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