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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 20, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,379 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

FusionICS, LLC

Reston, VA

$88K - $114K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Fusion
Fusion is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in mission critical engineering and secure infrastructure solutions for federal and defense clients. We bring precision, integrity, and deep technical expertise to the nation’s most complex and sensitive programs. Position Summary: Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer to support infrastructure characterization and control system modeling activities. This role supports mission-critical Department of Defense efforts, with a focus on SCADA/ICS systems, engineering-based intelligence analysis, and digital modeling. The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS), instrumentation, and control system vulnerability assessments within highly classified and secure environments.
Key Responsibilities: Control System Characterization & Modeling • Conduct assessments of SCADA, ICS, and other building control systems to identify vulnerabilities, design attributes, and operational procedures.
• Create detailed electrical and mechanical models to support digital twin development of infrastructure systems.
• Utilize software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, BIM, Revit) to visualize control system architecture, electrical schematics, and system workflows.
• Support development of system-of-systems simulations involving HVAC, power, and control layers to assess disruption and mitigation scenarios. Engineering-Based Intelligence Analysis • Analyze intelligence reports, facility blueprints, construction data, and imagery to extract insights about control system infrastructure.
• Identify exploitable system attributes and recommend strategies for denial, disruption, or recovery of adversary facilities.
• Collaborate with analysts to produce classified facility-specific assessments and integrate technical findings into IC intelligence products. Innovation & Technology Integration • Remain current on SCADA/ICS innovations, building management systems, and protective design technologies.
• Contribute to R&D efforts by proposing analytical improvements, new modeling approaches, and field data integration techniques. Interagency & Partner Collaboration • Coordinate with partners to deliver SME insights on controls and facility operations.
• Participate in technical discussions, briefings, and potential training sessions at the Facility Schoolhouse.
• Provide field support for U.S. and foreign partner facility reviews, including onsite data capture and control system evaluation. Contingency & Rapid Response
• Be available for occasional crisis support, including nights/weekends, and be deployable to CONUS and OCONUS sites as needed. Qualifications & Requirements Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree (required) in Electrical, Controls Systems, or Mechanical Engineering (preferred).
• 4–18+ years of experience in control systems engineering, SCADA/ICS analysis, or digital modeling).
• Experience supporting IC/DoD customers is highly desirable. Technical Skills
• Expertise in SCADA, ICS, PLCs, electrical systems, and building automation.
• Proficiency in control system modeling, system visualization, and digital twin development.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, and intelligence community production tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical skills for identifying system vulnerabilities, dependencies, and failure points. Security Clearance Requirement
• Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance is required.
• Must be eligible for a counterintelligence polygraph and access to high-security environments. Why Work for Fusion? At Fusion, we believe exceptional work begins with exceptional people. Our teams bring together technical excellence, integrity, and a shared commitment to delivering mission critical solutions that directly support national security. Here, your expertise has real impact. You’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful programs, and be part of a supportive small business culture invested in your growth and success. What We Offer • Medical insurance with a generous employer HSA contribution
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• 15 days of vacation
• 5 days of sick leave
• 11 paid federal holidays
• A mission focused, supportive small business culture where your work makes a real impact FusionICS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.