1

Protection Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

The Mechanical Engineer will perform engineering calculations and prepare detailed mechanical ... Design of HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems for commercial, industrial, or government ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Protection Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$73.7K

$128.9K

$200.9K

How much do protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection engineer in Massachusetts is $128,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,900.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Protection engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles such as electrical or power systems engineers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing. High compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in industries like energy, utilities, or large infrastructure projects.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Protection engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership positions. However, such high salaries are typically found in senior roles, consulting, or in industries like power transmission and large-scale infrastructure, and are not common for entry-level positions.

What does a protection engineer do?

A protection engineer designs, implements, and maintains electrical protection systems to ensure the safety and reliability of power systems. They analyze system faults, select appropriate protective devices like relays and circuit breakers, and use specialized software to coordinate protection schemes. Certification and knowledge of electrical standards are often required in this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Protection engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in high-demand industries like power systems or cybersecurity, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Senior roles often require specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and working in high-stakes environments or large organizations.

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 Massachusetts are hiring for Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Protection Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Protection Engineer jobs in MA? For Protection Engineer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Protection Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,918 per year, or $62 per hour.

Senior Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineer (MA)

Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering PC

Boston, MA • Hybrid

$113K - $149K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description

Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, P.C. (RFS), a growing 105+-person consulting engineering firm with offices in Laconia, NH, Boston, MA, and Portland, ME is seeking candidates to join our talented and team-focused staff.


RFS project types include college/university, healthcare, laboratory, private secondary school, public K-12 school, commercial, industrial, government, and historic preservation -- all with a focus on sustainable design.


Position requires BSME or BSMET and 10+ years' experience in consulting engineering, with demonstrated design and leadership skills. Proficiency required in Autodesk Revit, fire protection hydraulic software, and applicable state and national codes. PE/EIT and LEED AP, or ability to obtain, preferred.


RFS provides an opportunity to work on large-scale, high-profile building projects throughout the Northeast US. RFS offers excellent salary commensurate with experience, liberal benefits package including health, dental, vision, FSA/DCA/Commuter spending accounts, 401K company match, disability coverage, holidays, PTO, summer hours program, and hybrid work from home policy.


Please apply online or send a resume with cover letter in confidence to:


Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, PC.

Attention: W. Drake

71 Water Street

Laconia, NH 03246


~Equal Opportunity Employer~

Requirements

Position requires BSME or BSMET and 10+ years' experience in consulting engineering, with demonstrated design and leadership skills. Proficiency required in Autodesk Revit, fire protection hydraulic software, and applicable state and national codes. PE/EIT and LEED AP, or ability to obtain, preferred.