Protection, Controls Lead

Remote from
USA
Salary, yearly, USD
84,000 - 130,000
Employment type
Full Time,
Job posted
Apply before
14 Aug 2026
Experience level
Senior
Views / Applies
30 / 3

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a global leader in zero-carbon energy and services, committed to accelerating the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy.

Verified job posting
This job post has been manually reviewed for authenticity and compliance.

AI Summary

The Protection and Controls Lead oversees substation protection and control systems for renewable energy projects, including troubleshooting, relay testing, and compliance with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and NERC standards. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in substation protection systems, advanced knowledge of SEL relays, SCADA, and communication protocols like DNP3 and IEC 61850. The position involves 75% domestic travel and demands expertise in safety protocols such as LOTO and NFPA 70E. The job offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits and is ideal for experienced specialists seeking a leadership role in renewable energy.

Role DNA

Job Complexity
Easy Hard
Pace & Pressure
Relaxed Fast-paced
Autonomy Level
Guided Full Ownership
Communication Load
Independent Highly Collaborative
AI Insight The role demands advanced technical expertise in protection systems, 5+ years of experience, and extensive travel, making it challenging but not the highest difficulty level.

Salary Analysis

Median Market Rate
USD107,000
US Market
USD80k – 150k
0 USD165k
AI Insight The offered salary range of $84,000 to $130,000 is competitive for a Protection and Controls Lead in the renewable energy sector, aligning with market rates for similar roles across the US.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Protection and Controls Lead position at ENGIE. With over 5 years of experience in substation protection and control systems, I have developed a strong expertise in relay testing, SCADA integration, and compliance with industry standards. My hands-on experience with SEL relays, RTAC applications, and advanced test equipment like Doble and Omicron makes me well-suited for this role.

In my previous role, I successfully led commissioning projects, resolved complex trip events, and ensured system reliability while mentoring junior technicians. I am committed to safety and have comprehensive knowledge of NFPA 70E and LOTO procedures.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ENGIE's renewable energy projects and am willing to travel as required. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your team's needs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Describe your experience with SEL relays and RTAC applications. Can you provide an example of a complex protection scheme you configured?
I have extensive experience with SEL-421 and SEL-751 relays, and I configured an RTAC for a 138kV substation to automate breaker control and data collection. For example, I programmed logic for automatic transfer schemes using SELOGIC, ensuring seamless switching during faults.
How do you ensure compliance with NERC PRC-005-6C standards during relay testing?
I follow a structured test plan that includes verifying protection system settings, performing trip tests, and documenting results per PRC-005 guidelines. I also coordinate with the compliance team to ensure all maintenance activities are tracked and reported within the required intervals.
Explain a time you had to troubleshoot a mis-operation in a protection system. What steps did you take?
Once, a differential relay tripped unexpectedly. I analyzed the event file and found a CT saturation issue during an external fault. I then verified wiring, recalculated settings, and implemented a new CT ratio to prevent recurrence. I also updated the as-built drawings.
How do you handle communication with project teams and contractors during commissioning?
I maintain clear channels via daily meetings and shared documentation. For a recent project, I coordinated with the contractor to verify point-to-point wiring and conducted joint testing to ensure seamless integration with the SCADA system.
What is your experience with meter testing and calibration?
I have performed acceptance testing on revenue meters using a meter test set, verifying accuracy per ANSI C12.20 standards. I also troubleshooted a meter that registered incorrect kWh by checking wiring and recalibrating the meter at the site.

What You Can Expect

As the Protection and Controls Specialist you will oversee and support the operation, testing, and maintenance of substation protection and control systems across our portfolio of renewable energy projects.

 

Reporting to the Operations Director, this role involves:

  • Troubleshooting electrical control systems, analyzing protection zones, and interpreting trip event files.
  • Ensuring the performance of protective relays and associated equipment.
  • Creating and executing relay test plans, maintaining compliance with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and NERC PRC-005-6C standards.
  • Develop and implement detailed relay test plans using advanced test equipment, such as Doble, Omicron, Manta, or Megger relay test sets.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues in protection and control systems, focusing on protection zones and analyzing trip event files to identify root causes.
  • Commission and maintain the performance of substation protection and control systems in compliance with industry standards and protocols.
  • Coordinate with project teams and contractors to support commissioning, maintenance, and system upgrades.
  • Maintain detailed records of all testing, troubleshooting, and system configurations to ensure regulatory compliance and support future operational improvements, including updating CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
  • Support additional responsibilities of a Protection and Controls Specialist, including monitoring system reliability, assisting with system upgrades, and ensuring physical and cyber security compliance for protection systems.

 

What You’ll Bring

  • Minimum high school diploma or technical certificate
  • Minimum of 5 years in substation protection and control systems, relay testing, and electrical system troubleshooting
  • Advanced experience with safety protocols, including comprehensive knowledge of LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures and compliance with NFPA 70E safety standards
  • Comprehensive knowledge of protection and control systems, including SEL relays, RTAC (Real-Time Automation Controller) applications, and substation integration
  • Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex schematics to address system mis-operations.
  • Advanced understanding of SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850) with experience in configuration and troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in relay testing, protection zone analysis, and electrical control system troubleshooting, including interpreting schematics to address mis-operations
  • Hands-on experience with meter testing, including installation, calibration, and diagnostics
  • Proven experience in commissioning protection and control systems in compliance with NETA-ATS-2021, NETA-ECS-2020, and manufacturer recommendations
  • Demonstrated ability to train and mentor specialists in protection and control systems, testing procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies

 

Additional Details

  • Must be available to travel domestically 75% of the time
  • Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license/clean driving record
  • Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics and safety policies;

 

Compensation

Hourly Range: $42.69 – $65.00 USD hourly 

 

This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.

 

ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.

 

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan.

 

Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.

 

At ENGIE, we take your well-being seriously. Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, ESPP, generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays and leave programs. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match. But that’s not all – we’re dedicated to the health and happiness of your entire family, offering supplemental benefits for full time employees that enhance emotional and physical well-being through all stages of life from family forming to caregiver benefits. Explore our benefits package to see how we can support you. Learn more.

 

Why ENGIE?

ENGIE North America isn’t just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we’re leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.

 

At ENGIE, every talent has a role to play in the adventure of the century. Make a difference and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience. Take on exciting challenges and build a career path that reflects who you are.

 

Join us and be part of the adventure!

 

ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

 

If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.

 

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at any time.

 

The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.

Apply now >

This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content.

How to apply

Did you apply? Let us know, and we’ll help you track your application.

See a few more

Similar Software Engineering remote jobs

Jobs Talent Salaries
Menu