Protection and Controls Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of protective relaying and controls systems for distribution and high voltage substations. As an Associate Protection & Controls Engineer you will primarily prepare protection and control schematics and wiring drawings for a wide range of substation modifications and upgrades to support client requirements.
- You will be responsible for preparing protective relaying philosophies, including selection of relay, control, and communications equipment, SCADA and telecommunication concepts and configurations, and I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of substation protection and control issues.
- You will perform preparations of the designs prepared by others for single line diagrams, substation relaying & metering diagrams (i.e. A.C. schematic diagrams), and D.C. schematic diagrams.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others.
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy’s systems of processes and associated “Communities of Practice.”
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant project site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a power systems or controls emphasis from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- 1 or more years of experience with a focus on protection / control / telecommunications for high voltage substations; including design, installation, and coordination.
- Familiarity with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards, such as NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI.
- Familiarity with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Prior experience is desirable to include in-line, bus and equipment protection, breaker, transformer and similar equipment control, RTU and SCADA systems, telemetering and communications (fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.).
- AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
- Construction and start-up experience.
- Testing or commissioning experience.
- PE license.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$66,000.00 - $94,810.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
Mastering protective relaying philosophies, control system schematics, and familiarity with standards like IEEE and NESC are essential. Hands-on experience with relay equipment and telecommunications in substations will boost your effectiveness in this mid-level engineering role.
Advancement often involves deepening expertise in substation design, gaining project leadership skills, and possibly earning a PE license. Engaging with peer learning communities and taking on complex troubleshooting can accelerate growth toward senior engineering or managerial roles.
Typical tasks include preparing detailed relay and control schematics, reviewing designs, troubleshooting protection issues, and coordinating with field teams for construction verification. This role blends technical design with hands-on problem solving in high voltage distribution systems.
Chattanooga's growing energy infrastructure and industrial base create steady opportunities for protection and controls engineers. While demand is solid, specialized skills in substation protection and familiarity with local utility standards can set candidates apart.
Certifications aligned with NEC, NESC, and IEEE standards are highly valued locally. Additionally, understanding regional utility protocols and gaining experience with vendor-specific relay equipment commonly used in Tennessee substations can improve job prospects.
Sargent & Lundy promotes career growth through knowledge-sharing communities and hybrid work flexibility. Their award-winning benefits, including comprehensive health plans and tuition assistance, foster a supportive environment for engineers dedicated to power system protection.
The salary range of $66,000 to $94,810 reflects competitive market positioning for this role. Coupled with discretionary bonuses and extensive benefits, it offers a compelling package consistent with regional demand for skilled grid protection engineers.
At Sargent & Lundy, the emphasis on collaborative peer learning, hybrid work schedules, and a culture recognized for excellent compensation and benefits creates a unique blend of professional development and work-life balance not always found elsewhere.
This role includes occasional travel to client sites and vendor offices for design reviews and construction coordination. Hands-on field verification complements office work, ensuring designs align with real-world substation conditions.
Engineers often face complex relay coordination problems, communication failures in SCADA systems, and integration of diverse vendor equipment. Effective troubleshooting requires a solid grasp of electrical schematics, communication protocols, and site-specific operational nuances.