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Protection Controls Engineer information

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$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.
More about Protection Controls Engineer jobs
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:
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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:
Protection Controls Engineer jobs near you
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 & Integration Engineer I

CPG Beyond, Inc.

Ashburn, VA

$86K - $129.05K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Controls amp; Integration Engineer I, Mechanical
LOCATION: Jessup MD
POTISION SUMMARY: Controls Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, equipment and processes. 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 control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customers’ complex needs.
Specific areas of expertise for this position include monitoring and control systems in Data Centers and /or mission critical environments. Experience in Building Automation Systems (BASS) and field device configuration such as field level controllers, PLCs, protocol converters, and SCADA/HMI software. Experience in Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) and configuration/programming of electrical gear interfaces is beneficial.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Technical Responsibilities
  • Design / Engineering
    • Assists Senior Engineers in design documents for SCADA/Automation projects
      • Developing design document narratives
      • Perform requirements analysis
      • Understanding of Sequence of Operations (SOO) / System Functional Documentation
      • Create Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens / Hardware / Communications)
      • Comment Resolution
    • Reviews and comments on 3rd party design documents for SCADA/Automation projects in support of large programs/projects
      • Review design document narratives
      • Perform execution and design scope gap analysis
      • Review Sequence of Operations / System Functional Documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements
      • Review Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens / Hardware / Communications) for project compliance
      • Assist in reviewing project specifications
      • Assist in creation of testing plans and procedures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
  • Programming
    • Program / configure / troubleshoot Controllers, PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
    • Assist senior engineers in creating and updating testing and commissioning procedures
    • Preparation of test reports
    • Originates test procedures
    • Commissioning of deployed systems
    • Development of test equipment and simulation devices
    • Perform Factory and Field TestingMaintenance
  • Maintenance
    • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators
    • Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems
Managerial Responsibilities
  • Estimates
    • Assists senior engineers in preparation of cost estimates and supporting documentation
    • Work with relevant stakeholders to review scope of project
    • Conduct any surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required
    • Assists senior engineers in evaluation and pricing of change orders from vendors
  • Personnel Management
    • Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff
    • Provides technical direction and on-the-job training to drafters, engineering technicians, and less experienced engineers.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering and 2-5 years field experience
  • Associate degree in the electrical or mechanical field (add 3 years field experience)
  • High school diploma (add 5 years field experience)
  • 2-5 years’ experience with designing and servicing controls systems for chiller plants, complex air distribution equipment, equipment installation, and testing
  • Experience in reading mechanical and control schematics
  • Experience in building automation systems (BAS) startup, configuration, and calibration
  • Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems
  • Experience using basic electrical and hand tools
  • Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software
  • Experience testing, reading/verifying all voltage and current inputs to relays; verifying all metering (local and SCADA); calibrating all relays; trip testing (local and SCADA); verifying all alarms (local and SCADA); verifying all alarms (local and SCADA); verifying all function switches, etc.
  • Experience with test equipment and test equipment software
  • Experience with networking design, configuration, and troubleshooting
  • Experience with air handlers, chiller plant systems and data center CRAC units
  • Ability to travel up to 80%
  • MUST BE A US CITIZEN
Computer/Networking Skills:
  • Experience in OT and IT networking technologies and topologies
  • Experience troubleshooting and diagnosing OT and IT networks and protocols
  • Experience in CAD/CAE Software (Visio, AutoCAD)
  • Experience in schedule management software (Project, Primavera P6)
  • Standard Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access etc.)
Certificates and Licenses:
  • Required Certifications
    • Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform, such as: Niagara N4, Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, JCI, ALC, Distech, etc.
    • Certification in one or more SCADA platforms, such as: Iconics, Ignition, Aveva, etc.
  • Preferred Licenses / Certifications
    • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
    • Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
    • Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to computer screens for an extended period of time; Sitting for extended periods of time; Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction; Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard; Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand; Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing; Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense; Identify and understand the speech of another person.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
CPG is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all employment applicants without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
*We utilize E-Verify
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