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Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FindTalent

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for ... Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Raleigh, NC

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Role: Protection and Control Engineer Location: San Ramon, CA (Onsite) Experience: 9-15 years Job ... SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms ...

AtkinsRéalis

Protection & Control Engineer

Orange, CT · On-site

The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Engineering Manager, NE Operations and requires ... relay one-line diagrams, three lines, schematics and elementaries, control house panel layouts ...

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Relay Protection Control Engineer information

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$58K

$98.9K

$195K

How much do relay protection control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay protection control engineer in the United States is $98,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Relay Protection Control Engineers during substation upgrades or retrofits?

Relay Protection Control Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new protection and control equipment with existing legacy systems, ensuring minimal downtime during cutovers, and maintaining accurate system documentation. Coordinating with multiple teams—including design, construction, and operations—is crucial to address unexpected issues and ensure reliability. Staying updated with evolving industry standards and testing protocols is also essential for a smooth upgrade or retrofit process.

What are Relay Protection Control Engineers?

Relay Protection Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids from faults and abnormal conditions. They are responsible for configuring protection relays and control equipment to detect issues such as overloads, short circuits, or equipment failures, and to trigger automatic responses that isolate affected sections. Their work ensures the safety, reliability, and stability of power transmission and distribution systems. Relay Protection Control Engineers collaborate with other engineers and utility operators to analyze system performance and continuously improve protection schemes.

What is the difference between Relay Protection Control Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectRelay Protection Control EngineerSubstation Engineer
Required CertificationsRelay protection certifications, electrical engineering licensesElectrical engineering licenses, substation operation certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and maintenance of protection systems in substationsOverseeing substation construction, operation, and maintenance
Industry UsagePower utilities, electrical equipment manufacturersPower utilities, infrastructure companies

The Relay Protection Control Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and maintaining protection systems to ensure electrical grid safety. In contrast, the Substation Engineer oversees the overall operation and maintenance of substations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise and certifications, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ within the power industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Relay Protection Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relay Protection Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power system analysis, and experience with relay protection schemes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with relay testing equipment, power system simulation software (such as ETAP or SEL AcSELerator), and industry standards like IEEE is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power systems, minimizing downtime and protecting critical infrastructure.
More about Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs are:
Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,903 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

FindTalent

Fort Mill, SC • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 hours ago

Job description

FindTalent is seeking a Lead Protection & Control Engineer to join our team onsite in South Carolina. This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for substations and high-voltage transmission projects. As a senior technical leader, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards, and mentoring a team of engineers.

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in substation protection schemes, relay settings and programming, grounding and fault studies, and commissioning support, along with proven leadership skills. Projects will span across renewable generation interconnections (solar, wind, battery storage) and traditional transmission/distribution infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.

  • Perform and review system studies including load flow, short-circuit, arc flash, grounding, and coordination analysis.

  • Develop, implement, and validate protective relay settings to ensure reliable system operation.

  • Direct relay programming, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.

  • Review and approve P&C drawings, schematics, and technical specifications for accuracy and compliance.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes.

  • Ensure strict compliance with industry standards (IEEE, NERC, NFPA, NEC, NESC) and regulatory requirements.

  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables to meet organizational and client expectations.

  • Prepare and present technical reports, study results, and recommendations.

  • Support proposal development, scope definitions, and technical evaluations as needed.

Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.

  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).

  • 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in protection and control within the utility or consulting sector.

  • Strong expertise in substation protection philosophies, relay logic, and power system studies.

  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Proficiency in the following software:

    • Microsoft Office Suite

    • AutoCAD Electrical (preferred)

    • Bluebeam (preferred)

    • ARCGIS (preferred)

    • Power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, ASPEN, or CYME)

    • Relay setting software (e.g., AcSELerator, DIGSI, SEL Compass)

    • Protective relay testing & commissioning tools (preferred)

Additional Information:

  • This is a full-time onsite role based in South Carolina.

  • Occasional travel may be required for site visits, testing, and commissioning (up to 15%).

  • Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

  • Flexibility to work extended hours when project deadlines require.

Why Join Us?
At FindTalent, we connect skilled professionals with industry-leading companies shaping the future of power and energy infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to lead mission-critical protection and control projects while advancing your career in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Apply today to step into a leadership role as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer!