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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Controls and Compliance Lead, AWS Controls

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

... engineering and business teams -Driving deep dives on process areas to define the set of risk and ... protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Los Angeles County ...

Showing results 21-40

Protection Controls Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$62.6K

$109.9K

$149.1K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Seattle, WA is $109,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $122,900.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,904 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together. As a member of the Starlink Tooling and Automation team you will work with elite engineers on high impact applications to create the factory of the future for high volume satellite production that will maximize Starlink's impact around the globe and beyond.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code
  • Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection
  • Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way
  • Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot
  • Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels
  • Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment (internships and project work are applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision
  • Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Hands-on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:

Industrial Automation:
  • Automation Hardware: PLC's, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
  • Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
  • Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing
  • Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes
  • Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems

Software:
  • PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python
  • Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable

Electrical:
  • Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD's, motor starters, various other motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $165,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US