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Protection Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Summary The System Protection Engineer III/Senior is responsible for specifying, designing, and implementing protection schemes for the transmission system and substations. This role performs complex ...

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Protection Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$62.9K

$110K

$171.5K

How much do protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection engineer in Arizona is $110,003.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $121,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 do Protection Engineers 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 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.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Protection Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Protection Engineer jobs in AZ? For Protection Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Black & Veatch

Phoenix, AZ • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Black & Veatch rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation

Req Id : 114927

Opportunity Type : Staff

Relocation eligible : No

Full time/Part time : Full-Time

Project Only Hire : No

Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Why Black & Veatch?

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity's biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation, 401k match and benefits that start day one.

Our hybrid environment allows you to balance your work and personal life. At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead design execution efforts, along with:

  • Review and evaluate the facility and equipment to determine the appropriate fire protection requirements.
  • Support projects such as Power Plants, Oil and Gas processing facilities, Data Centers or Water Treatment facilities.
  • Proactively communicate fire protection requirements and guidance to both internal and external clients.
  • Generate detailed fire protection specifications, piping and instrument diagrams, and perform hydraulic calculations.
  • Review detailed sprinkler and alarm drawings/calculations for accuracy and compliance with codes.
  • Communicate with city and local official. 
  • Independently apply knowledge and maintain a culture that supports the implementation of quality.
The Team

The Mechanical Engineering Department is a global team that delivers high quality, on time design and services projects in the areas of Power, Gas, Fuels & Chemicals, Water and Waste Water, Data Centers, and Mining including everything Mechanically related to Process and Power (from Conventional, Combined Heat and Power, Hydro, Hydrogen, Nuclear, Solar/Renewable, LNG, Ammonia, Fertilizer) projects to specialized Air Quality Control, HVAC, Fire Protection, Piping, Thermal and Renewable performance estimating and testing. The Buildings Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for designing systems that associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in buildings. They also design plumbing and fire protection systems to ensure the safety and comfort of occupants. Additionally, the team focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability to optimize building performance while meeting the specific needs and requirements of each project.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide technical guidance on design standards, engineering codes, and B&V policies; develop and maintain engineering standards and mentor others across projects/disciplines.
  • Ensure compliance with the B&V quality program, establish supporting processes, and promote continuous improvement, risk management, and change management.
  • Lead the development of complex engineering deliverables, including research, calculations, and equipment/material selection; oversee data management and analysis.
  • Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and quality; develop advanced solutions to complex problems and establish project work plans.
  • Lead or coordinate multidisciplinary teams, review junior engineers' work, and support team development through effective task delegation and mentorship.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, define project schedules, and align execution with client priorities and business objectives.
  • Identify client drivers and future needs, support business development efforts, and position B&V for continued growth.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert, applying advanced engineering concepts to complex challenges and contributing to industry thought leadership.
  • Support talent management activities including mentoring, career development, and succession planning for engineering staff.
Preferred Qualifications

Expert knowledge in some of the following areas:

  • State and local codes and standards. (i.e.: IBC, IFC, NFPA, etc....)
  • Fire protection design for Power Plants, Oil and Gas processing facility, Water treatment facility or Data Centers
  • Construction & constructability practices & principles.
  • Procurement & contract administration.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in Engineering work.
  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience.
  • All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
  • Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.
Certifications
  • Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
  • This position would require working in a typical office environment.
  • The position may entail prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, and the professional would ideally be able to maintain focus and attention to detail throughout the workday.
  • The position may also be require physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods of time.
  • Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments. 

#LI-KT1

Salary Plan
REG: Registered Engineering
Job Grade
017

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at +1-913-359-1622 or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company-matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of the success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Notice to External Search Firms: Black & Veatch does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Black & Veatch Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.


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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915