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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$86.90K - $112.40K/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 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$111.60K - $147.30K/yr

The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter ... protection interfaces, and communications. * Develop and maintain standard operating procedures ...

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$103.60K - $142.30K/yr

The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Protection & Controls Technical Manager and requires working independently on fast paced technically complex design projects. Senior P&C Engineers ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site +1

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Controls Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$85.50K - $110.60K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a top-notch Controls Engineers to join our talented team in Chantilly ... protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$99.70K - $131.60K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture ...

Controls & Integration Engineer I

Ashburn, VA

$85.40K - $110.40K/yr

They work in various industries including building management systems, power system automation and protection systems. Controls engineers are technical experts in areas such as advanced process ...

Controls & Integration Engineer II, Electrical

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$85.40K - $110.40K/yr

They work in various industries including building management systems, power system automation and protection systems. Controls engineers are technical experts in areas such as advanced process ...

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Protection Controls Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$62.3K

$109.4K

$148.4K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Washington is $109,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Protection & Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,379 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Reston, VA โ€ข On-site

$86.90K - $112.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 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
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, 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.
Responsibilities
  • 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

Minimum Requirements
Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
Experience Three 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 Position 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, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical โ€ข Dental โ€ข Vision โ€ข Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D โ€ข Long Term Disability โ€ข Voluntary Short Term Disability โ€ข Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts โ€ข Health Savings Account โ€ข Paid Time Off (PTO) โ€ข Paid Holidays โ€ข Tuition Reimbursement โ€ข Referral Bonus Program โ€ข 401(k)/Profit Sharing โ€ข 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Will Preparation Resources โ€ข 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.