Senior Protection and Controls Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 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 a Senior Protection & Control 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.”
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
- 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 BS in Electrical Engineering with a power systems or controls emphasis from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- 7 or more years of experience with a focus on protection / control / telecommunications for high voltage substations; including design, installation, and coordination.
- Experience 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.
- Experience 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
$95,840.00 - $147,870.00Transparency 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
In Chattanooga, the Protection And Controls Engineer 2 addresses unique grid demands shaped by the region’s mix of industrial and residential loads. This role involves tailoring protective relaying and control schemes to enhance reliability amid the area's specific voltage and infrastructure conditions.
Possessing credentials aligned with IEEE standards and familiarity with NEC and NESC codes greatly benefit engineers in Tennessee. Additionally, expertise in vendor relay equipment and SCADA communications systems is highly valued due to regional infrastructure requirements.
Daily tasks revolve around preparing protection schematics, troubleshooting complex relay configurations, and ensuring substation upgrades meet evolving client needs. The engineer also mentors juniors and collaborates on design reviews to maintain system integrity.
Growth often includes mastering advanced relay coordination, obtaining a PE license, and leading complex substation projects. Engaging in peer learning communities and gaining construction oversight experience can also elevate one’s professional trajectory.
The hybrid model balances in-office collaboration three days a week with remote tasks, promoting both teamwork during design reviews and focused individual work on protective relaying philosophies, enhancing productivity and work-life balance.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes mentorship and knowledge sharing via structured communities of practice, fostering continuous learning. Their award-winning benefits and focus on work-life harmony set them apart as an employer of choice in the power sector.
Candidates for this role can expect compensation between $95,840 and $147,870 annually, reflecting the specialized expertise in high voltage substation protection and control, combined with comprehensive benefits supporting overall well-being.
Chattanooga’s growing energy infrastructure projects and emphasis on grid modernization fuel demand for senior controls engineers. Candidates with deep experience in power system protection and telecommunications enjoy strong positioning amid moderate regional competition.
The Chattanooga engineering community values hands-on collaboration and field verification, reflective of the city’s practical approach to power systems. Engineers often engage closely with vendors and onsite teams to ensure seamless implementation of designs.