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Senior Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Protection & Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

PURPOSE The Controls Engineer plays a key role in providing technical, engineering, and project leadership for EPB's electric system. This position is responsible for performing system protection ...

Protection & Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

PURPOSE The Controls Engineer plays a key role in providing technical, engineering, and project leadership for EPB's electric system. This position is responsible for performing system protection ...

Solar Protection & Controls Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$90K - $117K/yr

Nexamp is seeking an Solar Protection & Controls Engineer (Electrical Performance Engineer) who will be a deep technical independent contributor responsible for improving the reliability ...

Solar Protection & Controls Engineer

Boston, MA ยท Hybrid

$90K - $117K/yr

Nexamp is seeking an Solar Protection & Controls Engineer (Electrical Performance Engineer) who will be a deep technical independent contributor responsible for improving the reliability ...

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Senior Protection Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$72K

$114.7K

$154K

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

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protection & controls engineer in the United States is $114,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Protection & Controls Engineer vs Protection & Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Protection & Controls EngineerProtection & Controls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and several years of experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting protection systems in power plants or substationsAssist in installation, maintenance, and testing of protection systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in utility companies, power generation, and transmissionUsed in similar settings but often at entry or mid-level positions

The main difference is that Senior Protection & Controls Engineers typically have more experience, take on complex design and leadership roles, and oversee projects, whereas Protection & Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining protection systems at a more operational level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer, you need deep knowledge of power system protection, relay coordination, and control systems, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and several years of utility or industrial experience. Proficiency with relay software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), CAD tools, and familiarity with NERC, IEEE, and utility standards are essential, with a Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help navigate complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial to ensure power system reliability, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient project execution.

What are Senior Protection & Controls Engineers?

Senior Protection & Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and ensure reliable operation. They develop protective relaying schemes, coordinate with other engineers, and analyze system events to prevent outages or equipment damage. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, compliance with industry standards, and mentoring junior engineers. These engineers play a critical role in safeguarding power infrastructure and ensuring the stability of the electrical grid.

How does a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a substation upgrade project?

A Senior Protection & Controls Engineer plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration during substation upgrade projects. They coordinate closely with design, construction, and commissioning teams to ensure protection schemes are correctly integrated into the overall system. This involves reviewing project requirements, providing technical support, and communicating updates or issues to project managers and field engineers. Effective collaboration ensures the project meets safety, reliability, and regulatory standards while staying on schedule.
More about Senior Protection Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Protection & Controls Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,724 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Protection & Controls Engineer

Protection & Controls Engineer

EPB

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

PURPOSE

The Controls Engineer plays a key role in providing technical, engineering, and project leadership for EPB's electric system. This position is responsible for performing system protection analysis and developing relay protection and control designs, as well as overseeing the installation, performing testing, and troubleshooting these systems. The role includes substation design and engineering support for distributed energy resource (DER) projects. The role will also oversee the installation and modification of substation equipment, line devices, and underground devices. As EPB's electric system continues to evolve, the Controls Engineer will contribute to the design and implementation of improvements involving technologies such as battery storage, solar, and electrification initiatives. The position may also support projects aimed at enhancing operational processes, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, improving system reliability, and elevating overall customer satisfaction.


DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

-Use engineering expertise and analytical tools to evaluate electric system performance and develop strategies that improve reliability, reduce costs, and enhance customer service.

-Develop plans to maximize EPB's investment in electric system infrastructure, including analysis of automation technologies and distributed energy resources.

-Perform data analysis to understand and improve electric system operations; utilize current technology to perform data retrieval/transformation, database development, and report writing.

-Identify trends, patterns, and relationships within electric system data to support informed decision making.

-Develop and refine processes that improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

-Establish measurable metrics to evaluate the impact of system and process improvements.

-Plan and manage projects, including logistics, resources, operating conditions, analysis schemes, and modifications. Coordinate internal and external resources to complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.

-Research emerging utility technologies and provide recommendations to Electric System leadership.

-Oversee the maintenance and optimization of EPB's fleet of distributed energy resources (DER). Provide engineering support for DER projects.

-Create, evaluate, and maintain specifications for purchasing new equipment for the electric system. Evaluate vendor proposals for new equipment.

-Perform system protection analysis and develop relay protection and control designs. Oversee the installation, perform testing, and troubleshoot these systems.

-Perform substation design and provide engineering support for substation projects.

-Create and modify protective relay settings. Perform function testing and commissioning.

-Oversee the installation and modification of substation equipment, line devices, and underground devices.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

-Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

-8+ years of progressive experience or training in a related field.

-Proficient in Microsoft Office skills at the intermediate level, data systems, and have a working knowledge of computer systems and software.

-Proficient in database analysis and reporting tools helpful in retrieving and analyzing large amounts of data to reach conclusions and develop improvement plans.

-Demonstrated ability to lead projects to completion on time and within budget.

-A background in electric utility operations and technology preferred.

-Technical proficiency in the design and application of protection and controls systems preferred.

-Experience testing and commissioning protection and control systems preferred.

-Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software such as MicroStation or AutoCAD preferred.

-Proficiency in GIS, OMS CAD, and specific EPB software (Enquesta, GTECH, GTViewer, etc) preferred.

-Some experience with electric utility software applications (CYME, Milsoft, ETAP, etc.) for analyzing distribution systems preferred.


CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

-Possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in state of residence and demonstrate safe and responsible operation of motor vehicles. Must be insurable under the company's insurance policy.

-A Professional Engineering license is preferred but not required.

-Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

-Based on the project, may function as a team member and/or team leader as applicable.

-Ability to design and update electrical drawings with a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness.

-Ability to perform relay testing and commissioning with a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness.

-Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder collaboration for cross-functional teams.



ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

-The work environment typically represents a standard office setting while occasionally working outside on all types of terrain and weather conditions.

-While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

-While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions and often rough terrain. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.




WHO WE ARE


Recognized by J.D. Powerย among the best in the country for customer satisfaction four yearsย running, EPB is one of America's largest publicly-owned energyย providers. EPB is also the pioneering communications company thatย surprised the nation by being the first to offer gigabit speed internetย services comprehensively to all residents and businesses in ourย market-four years before Google Fiber launched its first deployment. EPBย delivers internet speeds of up to 25 gigabits per second as a standardย offer to both homes and businesses along with television and telephoneย services.


Withย the fiber optic network as the communications backbone we deployed theย most advanced and automated smart grid power distribution system in theย U.S. As a result, EPB has become a major research partner for the U.S.ย Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for field-testingย technology and best practices including the deployment of cutting-edgeย smart grid equipment, micro-grid control systems, integrated storage,ย and much more.



A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME

EPB is located in Chattanooga, TN, a city that Outside Magazine called the "Best Ever."ย Built along both sides of the Tennessee River in a valley surrounded byย mountains, Chattanooga is well known for its scenic beauty and outdoorย recreation along with having the world's fastest internet which earnedย it the name "Gig City." Chattanooga also offers award-winning, downtownย living, a thriving food scene, and a surprisingly low cost of livingย with no state income tax. As a result, Liviability.com includesย Chattanooga among its Top 100 Best Places to Live and Top 10 Downtowns.


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About EPB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Utilities

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1935