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Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

Overview Protection Engineer - Power & Mechanical Systems Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA. Status: Full-time Salary: $200K-$245K/year Clearance: Background check U.S. Citizenship required Make an ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

Overview Protection Engineer - Power & Mechanical Systems Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA. Status: Full-time Salary: $200K-$245K/year Clearance: Background check U.S. Citizenship required Make an ...

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How much do protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection engineer in the United States is $118,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a protection engineer do?

Protection Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and failures. They develop and coordinate protection schemes to detect abnormal conditions, such as short circuits, and ensure quick disconnection to minimize damage and maintain system stability. Protection Engineers also analyze system disturbances, test protective relays, and work closely with other engineers to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay protection principles, often backed by a relevant engineering degree and, in some cases, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard protection coordination software (like ETAP or SEL), SCADA systems, and standards such as IEEE or IEC is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe, reliable operation of power systems and help prevent outages or equipment failures.

What are some common challenges faced by protection engineers when coordinating with other departments during system upgrades?

Protection Engineers often collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and control systems teams during system upgrades. One common challenge is ensuring timely communication and alignment on protection scheme modifications to prevent miscoordination or power outages. Additionally, Protection Engineers must balance the technical requirements of relay settings and protection logic with practical constraints such as equipment availability and outage windows. Proactive planning and clear documentation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth, safe upgrade process.

What is the difference between Protection Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectProtection EngineerElectrical Engineer
CertificationsPE, EIT, IEEE certificationsPE, EIT, IEEE certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, substations, utility companiesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems across industries
Industry UsagePower systems, utilities, transmission & distributionBroad electrical systems, electronics, manufacturing

Protection Engineers focus on designing and maintaining systems that protect electrical infrastructure from faults, ensuring safety and reliability. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various electrical systems, including power, electronics, and control systems. While both roles require similar credentials and often work in the same environments, Protection Engineers specialize in system protection and relays, whereas Electrical Engineers may work on system design, analysis, and development across multiple sectors.

Are fire protection engineers in demand?

Fire protection engineers are in demand due to ongoing safety regulations and the need for building code compliance. They work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and consulting, often requiring certifications like NICET or PE licensure. Employment prospects are generally strong, especially in regions with strict safety standards and infrastructure development.

How much do protection engineers make in the US?

Protection engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.
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Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,044 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) is a leading power engineering consultant firm that provides engineering, system planning and studies, technical consultation, project management, surveying, environmental planning, commissioning/testing and construction services to electric utilities, energy developers and industrials throughout the U.S. Our experience includes system voltages from 4.16 kV through 765 kV.
ECI has an immediate opening for a Protection Engineer. As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area coordination studies, standards development, relay operation analysis, and technical reviews of drawings and relay settings. The successful candidate will also be in charge of mentoring less experienced engineers via direct training and technical review of work.
Minimum Requirements: BSEE or equivalent degree; 5+ years protection engineering experience; SEL Relay Setting Experience; ASPEN OneLiner or PSSE CAPE experience; excellent verbal/written communication skills; strong organization and planning skills; ability to work in a team environment; commitment to quality and accuracy; and a willingness to meet fast-paced project schedules required. P.E. license preferred. The successful applicant may be subject to client-mandated drug and background checking. Occasional travel/driving is required; therefore, the successful applicant will be subject to ECI's auto insurance carrier requirements. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k), profit sharing and employee stock ownership plan
  • Paid vacation, personal days and holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Continued professional education reimbursement

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) employs over 850 engineers, designers, project managers, surveyors, ROW agents, environmental planners, construction professionals and support staff in 37 offices across the U.S. The firm has more than 40 years of experience in the planning, engineering, and construction of a wide range of power delivery projects including substations, transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems and industrial facilities.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

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