1

Substation Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$101.50K - $129.30K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to design substation protection and control projects for electric utilities at voltages from 12kV up to 500kV. This is an ...

Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$101.50K - $129.30K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to design substation protection and control projects for electric utilities at voltages from 12kV up to 500kV. This is an ...

Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$94.70K - $120.70K/yr

We are looking for a Substation Protection & Control Engineer to join our team. As an Career Protection & Control Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to design substation protection and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Substation Protection Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$113.6K

$149.5K

How much do substation protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation protection engineer in the United States is $113,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substation Protection Engineer job?

A Substation Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining protective relay systems to ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical substations. They analyze system faults, develop protection schemes, and coordinate with utility companies to prevent equipment damage and power outages. Their work involves using software tools for relay settings, conducting testing and commissioning, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. This role requires knowledge of power systems, electrical engineering principles, and protective relays to safeguard the electrical grid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Substation Protection Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power system protection, and experience with relaying and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard protection relays (such as SEL and ABB), SCADA systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for success in this role. Mastering these competencies ensures reliable substation operation, rapid response to system faults, and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Substation Protection Engineer?

As a Substation Protection Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include designing and implementing protection schemes, configuring and testing protective relays, and analyzing system events or disturbances. You may also be involved in preparing technical documentation, supporting maintenance teams during scheduled outages, and conducting system studies to ensure reliability. Regular collaboration with project managers, field technicians, and other engineers is a significant aspect of the role. This position typically offers a mix of office-based design work and occasional site visits to substations for commissioning or troubleshooting tasks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Protection Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Substation Protection Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Substation Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Protection Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Senior Substation Protection Engineer

Senior Substation Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Ontario, CA โ€ข On-site

$139K - $217K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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 an experienced substation senior engineer in the Ontario, CA office. This position will be responsible for configuring and producing engineering drawings for installation and commissioning of electro-mechanical and microprocessor type protection relay systems in high voltage substations. These systems are used to protect and control the operation of distribution and transmission lines, medium and large power transformers, shunt capacitor banks, shunt reactors, series capacitor banks and associated electrical buses and equipment in high voltage substations and switchyards. The successful applicant will work with design teams involved with conceptual, preliminary, and final design of station projects 4.16 kV through 500 kV. Specific job tasks performed include producing one-line, three-line, schematic and wiring diagrams for high voltage substation projects. Diligence in the education and training of less experienced staff is an expectation. Occasional travel required.
Minimum Requirements: BSEE or MSEE required; 5+ years of experience specifying, configuring and producing engineering drawings for installation and commissioning of electro-mechanical and microprocessor type protection relay systems in high voltage substations and an extensive background in power system protection and control required. The successful applicant must have proven experience managing a team and have excellent communication (verbal and written), organizational and writing skills. Successful applicant may be subject to client mandated drug and background checking and is required to meet the requirements of ECI's auto insurance carrier. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Compensation Range: $139,000 - $217,000 Annually
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