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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Electrical Controls Engineer The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Electrical Controls Engineer The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON delivers ... any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Provide technical leadership and knowledge transfer to internal Controls Engineers and Technicians ... protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued ...

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON delivers ... any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy ...

New

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL

$100K - $132K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN ) AUTOKINITON delivers ... any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy ...

Controls Engineer

Geneva, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Act as liaison between plant and division engineering personnel in communicating engineering needs ... All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics. Equal ...

Controls Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team at Gotion ... protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued ...

GAI Consultants is seeking a Substation and/or Protection & Controls Engineer 3 for substation-related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical ...

SCADA Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $120K/yr

You will work alongside protection & controls engineers, designers, project managers, and clients to deliver integrated automation solutions across transmission, distribution, and industrial ...

SCADA Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $120K/yr

You will work alongside protection & controls engineers, designers, project managers, and clients to deliver integrated automation solutions across transmission, distribution, and industrial ...

SCADA Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

You will work alongside protection & controls engineers, designers, project managers, and clients to deliver integrated automation solutions across transmission, distribution, and industrial ...

Showing results 41-60

Protection Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.7K

$99.5K

$134.9K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,485 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Actalent

Naperville, IL

$40 - $57/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Electrical Controls Engineer

The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated industrial control systems, combining strong hands-on electrical expertise with advanced PLC and HMI programming skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop electrical control systems, including detailed schematics and layouts for automated industrial equipment and control panels.
  • Program industrial PLCs using Rockwell platforms (500/5000 level) and develop HMI applications with FactoryTalk View software to support automated systems.
  • Configure and program controls using Beckhoff platforms and TwinCAT software to meet system performance and reliability requirements.
  • Integrate I/O with electrical control devices and implement industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet, ModBus, and DeviceNet.
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $57.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Naperville,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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