Protection and Control Engineer Jobs
Protection and Control Engineer jobs are open across utilities, power generation, oil and gas, and engineering consulting firms, from entry-level to senior and principal, with specializations in relay coordination, substation automation, and SCADA systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 137+ Protection and Control Engineer jobs
Saber Power Services is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm providing end-to-end solutions across utility, renewables and battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Saber Power offers deep subject matter expertise and uses an engineering-led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Saber serves local, national, and international clients.
The Senior Automation Engineer – Protection & Controls is responsible for leading the design, programming, configuration, and commissioning of plant control and automation systems for substation, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and solar projects. This position serves as a technical resource within the Protection & Controls team, providing project leadership from initial design through final commissioning while mentoring engineers and developing standardized processes, procedures, and documentation.
Responsibilities
- Designs, programs, configures, and commissions SEL RTAC-based control and communication systems, including logic development, data mapping, and protective relay integration.
- Develops and commissions Power Plant Controller (PPC) logic for BESS and solar facilities to meet utility and ERCOT interconnection requirements.
- Develops SCADA and HMI point lists, communication architectures, and operator interface screens utilizing DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850 protocols.
- Leads site acceptance testing and field commissioning activities, including troubleshooting, system validation, and punch-list resolution.
- Manages assigned automation project scope, schedules, and budgets while maintaining a high standard of quality and safety.
- Reviews automation deliverables, including engineering drawings, I/O lists, system configurations, and test procedures, to ensure accuracy and quality prior to customer submission.
- Provides technical guidance, mentorship, and cross-training to other engineers to develop team capabilities and promote knowledge sharing.
- Develops and maintains standardized templates, procedures, and documentation for automation engineering and commissioning activities.
- Supports proposal development through technical scope reviews, project planning, and labor and effort estimates.
- Provides technical support and troubleshooting assistance to internal teams, customers, subcontractors, and vendors as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field.
- Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in substation, power plant, or industrial automation.
- Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs and SEL protective relays, including ACSELERATOR software tools.
- Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standards, SCADA communication protocols (DNP3 and Modbus), and HMI development.
- Demonstrated experience with field commissioning, system testing, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on technical documentation and attention to detail.
- Experience with Power Plant Controller (PPC) systems for BESS and solar facilities.
- Familiarity with ERCOT and utility interconnection requirements and testing procedures.
- Experience with IEC 61850 communication protocols and IT/OT network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with brownfield retrofit projects and integration of legacy equipment.
- Familiarity with additional automation platforms, including GE, ABB, and Schneider.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and following all company safety policies and procedures.
Benefits:
We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Learn more about our Total Rewards Plan here.
Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Saber Power Services is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm providing end-to-end solutions across utility, renewables and battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Saber Power offers deep subject matter expertise and uses an engineering-led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Saber serves local, national, and international clients.
The Senior Automation Engineer – Protection & Controls is responsible for leading the design, programming, configuration, and commissioning of plant control and automation systems for substation, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and solar projects. This position serves as a technical resource within the Protection & Controls team, providing project leadership from initial design through final commissioning while mentoring engineers and developing standardized processes, procedures, and documentation.
Responsibilities
- Designs, programs, configures, and commissions SEL RTAC-based control and communication systems, including logic development, data mapping, and protective relay integration.
- Develops and commissions Power Plant Controller (PPC) logic for BESS and solar facilities to meet utility and ERCOT interconnection requirements.
- Develops SCADA and HMI point lists, communication architectures, and operator interface screens utilizing DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850 protocols.
- Leads site acceptance testing and field commissioning activities, including troubleshooting, system validation, and punch-list resolution.
- Manages assigned automation project scope, schedules, and budgets while maintaining a high standard of quality and safety.
- Reviews automation deliverables, including engineering drawings, I/O lists, system configurations, and test procedures, to ensure accuracy and quality prior to customer submission.
- Provides technical guidance, mentorship, and cross-training to other engineers to develop team capabilities and promote knowledge sharing.
- Develops and maintains standardized templates, procedures, and documentation for automation engineering and commissioning activities.
- Supports proposal development through technical scope reviews, project planning, and labor and effort estimates.
- Provides technical support and troubleshooting assistance to internal teams, customers, subcontractors, and vendors as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field.
- Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in substation, power plant, or industrial automation.
- Hands-on experience with SEL RTACs and SEL protective relays, including ACSELERATOR software tools.
- Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standards, SCADA communication protocols (DNP3 and Modbus), and HMI development.
- Demonstrated experience with field commissioning, system testing, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on technical documentation and attention to detail.
- Experience with Power Plant Controller (PPC) systems for BESS and solar facilities.
- Familiarity with ERCOT and utility interconnection requirements and testing procedures.
- Experience with IEC 61850 communication protocols and IT/OT network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with brownfield retrofit projects and integration of legacy equipment.
- Familiarity with additional automation platforms, including GE, ABB, and Schneider.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and following all company safety policies and procedures.
Benefits:
We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Learn more about our Total Rewards Plan here.
Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Protection and Control Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 137+ Protection and Control Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProtection and Control Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Avangrid21
- Qualus12
- Kimley-Horn7
- telex6
- ECNS Global Consultants PLLC6
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in protection and control engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field
- Experience with protective relay programming and configuration using platforms such as SEL, GE, or ABB
- Proficiency in power system analysis software such as ETAP, SKM, or PSS/E
- Knowledge of NERC reliability standards and IEEE protection standards
- Experience developing relay coordination studies and protection settings documents
- Professional Engineer license or active progress toward PE licensure preferred
Tips for Your Protection and Control Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to relay standards
Hiring managers scan for specific relay platforms and protection schemes. Call out the relay families you've programmed, the voltage classes you've worked with, and any coordination studies you've led, rather than listing generic electrical engineering duties.
Target openings by utility vs consulting
Utility roles emphasize steady-state operations and long-term asset ownership, while consulting roles reward breadth across clients and technologies. Decide which fits your experience before applying, then use that framing in your cover letter and resume summary.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists protection and control engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight relevant certifications upfront
A PE license or NERC certification carries real weight in this field and should appear in your resume header, not buried in a skills section. If you're pursuing either, note where you are in the process so recruiters don't overlook you.
Prep for technical screening on fault analysis
First-round technical screens often include fault current calculations, CT and PT sizing questions, and protection coordination logic. Practice working through symmetrical and asymmetrical fault scenarios so you can explain your reasoning clearly, not just produce a number.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
In protection and control roles, the mix of fieldwork, design, and commissioning varies widely by team. When you reach the offer stage, ask what the split looks like week to week so you're not surprised after you start.
Protection and Control Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most protection and control engineers?
The companies hiring the most protection and control engineers right now include Avangrid, Qualus, and Kimley-Horn, with the largest share of openings in New York, Florida, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated at investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, and large engineering consulting firms with active transmission and substation projects.
How many protection and control engineer jobs are remote?
About 65% of protection and control engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on fieldwork that most roles require. Settings development, relay coordination studies, and documentation review are the sub-areas most likely to allow remote or hybrid schedules, while commissioning and site testing roles are almost always on-site.
How do you become a protection and control engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, then build foundational knowledge in power systems, protection theory, and relay logic during coursework or early internships. Entry-level roles at utilities or engineering consultants provide hands-on exposure to relay configuration and coordination studies. Pursuing a PE license and completing manufacturer training on major relay platforms accelerates your path into senior positions.
Can you get hired as a protection and control engineer with little experience?
Yes, some utilities and consulting firms hire engineers with strong power systems fundamentals even without direct relay experience. Emphasize any coursework in power systems protection, lab work with relay test equipment, or exposure to substation design during internships. Demonstrating familiarity with ETAP or similar analysis tools and showing you understand fault analysis concepts can offset a limited field resume.
What does the protection and control engineer interview process look like?
Most employers run a phone or video screen to confirm your background, followed by a technical interview covering relay coordination, fault analysis, and protection philosophy. Some firms add a take-home study or ask you to walk through a settings file you've worked on. Final rounds typically involve a panel with senior engineers and a hiring manager who assesses both technical depth and communication skills.
Where can I find and apply to protection and control engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to protection and control engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 137+ Protection and Control Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs