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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

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

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

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

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท Remote

$99K - $131K/yr

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

Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is hiring a Senior Microgrid Controls ... Experience with multi-function protection relay based controls. Ability to clearly communicate ...

Senior Microgrid Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is hiring a Senior Microgrid Controls ... Experience with multi-function protection relay based controls. Ability to clearly communicate ...

Controls Field Engineer

Sterling, VA

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Field Engineer supports the availability, reliability, and day-to-day operation of ... protected status. CyrusOne provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with ...

Controls Field Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Field Engineer supports the availability, reliability, and day-to-day operation of ... protected status. CyrusOne provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with ...

Showing results 21-40

Protection Controls Engineer information

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 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:

Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA โ€ข On-site

Electra
11 - 50 employees

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft. This role works in close partnership with the Flight Controls System IPT Lead, providing deep expertise in certification, safety, and verification to support system development from detailed design through certification and entry into service.

What You'll Do

  • Act as the flight controls certification focal for the EL9 program, owning the functional certification approach.
  • Lead development and maintenance of the flight controls functional certification plan.
  • Translate regulatory requirements and system safety assessments into certifiable flight control functions.
  • Provide technical oversight for verification planning and execution across: analysis and simulation, SIL/HIL, ground and flight test.
  • Partner with the Flight Controls IPT Lead to support system architecture decisions and assess certification impacts of design changes.
  • Support system safety activities, including FHA, PSSA, and SSA alignment.
  • Interface with certification authorities and support technical discussions, reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Mentor flight controls engineers in certification, verification, and systems thinking.
  • Coordinate across disciplines including systems engineering, safety, software, propulsion, and flight test.
  • Support certification closure and entry-into-service readiness.

What You Bring

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls or related aerospace systems development.
  • Experience supporting aircraft certification and verification activities on safety-critical systems.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft flight control systems and architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience with certification planning and compliance for aerospace systems.
  • Ability to operate as a technical authority and in-house subject-matter expert.
  • Excellent communication skills, including authority-facing technical discussions.
  • Experience with MATLAB / Simulink-based control development and verification environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across IPTs and disciplines.

Bonus Points

  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience with fly-by-wire aircraft from development through certification.
  • Experience with system-level verification and integration testing.
  • Familiarity with eSTOL, powered-lift, or novel aircraft configurations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures, and industry standards.
  • Prior experience acting as a certification focal or technical lead.
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
  • Licensed Pilot preferred.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$135,000—$165,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.