Protection & Controls Engineer

Actalent; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Remote; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Protection and Control Engineer to design and support high‑voltage utility substation projects, focusing on protection and control systems, electrical design, and project execution.

You will apply NEC, NESC, NEMA, ANSI, IEEE standards, collaborate with remotely located teams, and contribute to proposals, design packages, and field pre-bid activities.

This permanent, fully remote role is based out of Pittsburgh, PA, with travel to client sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• At least 5 years of experience in protection and control design.
• Direct, proven expertise in high-voltage projects up to 500 kV.
• Strong knowledge of protection and control systems for utility substations.

Responsibilities

• Apply NEC, NESC, NEMA, ANSI, IEEE and client standards to develop accurate, compliant designs.
• Provide technical support for client initiatives under supervision.
• Collaborate with engineers and designers on detailed electrical design and project management for substations.
• Prepare technical proposals and project estimates, defining scope, schedule and resource needs.
• Stamp project documents in accordance with licensure requirements when in responsible charge.

Skills

Protection & control design

High voltage up to 500 kV

Substation protection & control

CAD software (AutoCAD/MicroStation)

Project execution

Remote collaboration tools

Team leadership/mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Job Title: Protection and Control Engineer

The Protection and Control Engineer designs and supports high-voltage utility substation projects, providing technical expertise in protection and control systems, electrical design, and project execution. This role applies industry standards and client guidelines to develop complete engineering design packages, participates in project planning and proposals, and collaborates closely with engineers, designers, and remotely located team members. The position offers a remote work environment with significant exposure to electric utility projects and opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of NEC, NESC, NEMA, ANSI, IEEE, and other industry standards, as well as client standards and applicable guidelines, to develop accurate and compliant engineering designs.
• Provide technical support for client initiatives as a key technical resource under the guidance of an engineering supervisor.
• Work collaboratively in a project team environment with other engineers and designers on detailed electrical design and project management for utility substation projects.
• Participate in project conceptualization, including defining technical approaches, scope, and work plans.
• Contribute to work planning and project execution to ensure deliverables are completed on time and within scope.
• Support pre-bid walkdowns with clients to understand project requirements and site conditions.
• Prepare technical proposals and project estimates for new client projects, helping to define scope, schedule, and resource needs.
• Develop complete design packages for electrical substation systems, including single-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, AC and DC station service diagrams, communication diagrams, SCADA points lists, and other related project deliverables.
• Perform standard substation engineering calculations such as battery sizing calculations, voltage drop analyses, current transformer (CT) saturation checks, and cable sizing calculations.
• Review and ensure the quality of substation design drawings and complete design packages prior to issue.
• Effectively organize and manage multiple, complex assignments and competing priorities to deliver accurate work products on schedule.
• Collaborate effectively with remotely located team members using current collaboration tools and applications.
• Manage project tasks assigned to junior employees, providing guidance and oversight to support their work.
• Travel as needed to support client relationships, pre-bid activities, site visits, and project requirements.
• When appropriate and where in responsible charge, stamp project documents in accordance with professional engineering licensure requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• At least 5 years of experience in protection and control design.
• Direct, proven expertise in high-voltage projects with voltages up to 500 kV.
• Strong knowledge of protection and control systems for utility substations.
• Experience with substation design, including protection, relays, and control systems.
• Proficiency in electrical design for utility substations and related systems.
• Ability to perform standard substation calculations such as battery, voltage drop, CT saturation, and cable sizing calculations.
• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar tools.
• Proficiency with CAD systems and current computer applications, including Microsoft applications and design/business enterprise software.
• Ability to work effectively with remotely located team members.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple and complex assignments and competing priorities to produce accurate deliverables on time.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality engineering work.
• Capability to manage project tasks performed by junior employees.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly preferred, and willingness to stamp projects where in responsible charge.
• Experience with protection and control (P&C) systems and related engineering practices.
• Knowledge and experience with relay systems and relay coordination for substations.
• Experience with PLC programming related to protection and control or substation automation systems.
• Experience preparing proposals and project estimates for electric utility projects.
• Experience participating in pre-bid walkdowns and client-facing technical discussions.
• Comfort with working in a consulting environment supporting a growing team.
• Ability to travel as required to support client relationships and project needs.

Work Environment

This role operates in a remote work environment, collaborating primarily through digital platforms such as Microsoft Teams and other standard office and design software. Work is performed using CAD tools, Microsoft applications, and design and business enterprise software to support electric utility substation projects. The position involves coordination with geographically dispersed team members and occasional travel to client sites for walkdowns, meetings, and project-related activities. The environment emphasizes professional collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex assignments while supporting a growing consulting team in the electric utility space.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, company-paid maternity and bonding leave, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.