Relay Protection and Controls Engineer
Ampirical · Covington, LA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $80k–$138k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 4+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 25 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Ampirical (industrial) in Covington, LA.
- They ask for
- 4+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Automation, AutoCAD
- Base pay
- $80k–$138k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$143k. This one lists $80k–$138k.
Median of the low and high ends of 252 live postings that list pay, out of 735 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Louisiana plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 734 other live controls postings in the US.
- Base pay
- About 9% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (4+ vs 5+)
Typical $97k–$141k, from 247 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 74%
- PLC 68%
- Robotics 42%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
- Root cause 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Ampirical
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from AmpiricalAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Relay Protection and Controls Engineer is responsible for the design and procurement of protective relaying equipment for substations, switchyards, and transmission lines. They are accountable for adherence to and revisions of design/construction scope processes. The Senior Engineer works closely with the client to ensure quality design to meet client's standards and provides field support to the client during construction activities as required.
Who You Are
- ✓Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university
- ✓4+ years of experience engineering/designing electrical systems within the Utilities or Energy industry
- ✓Experience with ETAP, WinIGS, IEEE 88/998
- ✓Experience using Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Bentley MicroStation and/or Bentley Substation software to develop 2D drawings or 3D models are a plus.
- ✓PE Certification
- ✓Knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following skillsets: SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms and concepts are a plus.
- ✓Experience working with the electric utility industry or petro-chemical industry.
- ✓BSEE Degree with 6+ years of experience.
Responsibilities
- ◆Identify proper protection and control schemes for transmission and distribution substations.
- ◆Select proper protection devices for equipment within a substation.
- ◆Prepare scopes of work and estimates for evaluating and designing substations.
- ◆Identify proper equipment sizing and order material.
- ◆Ensure the maintenance and adherence of customer standards as it pertains to relay protection.
- ◆Create drawing packages for substation relay protection that include wiring diagrams, schematics, protection panels, one-line, and three-line diagrams.
- ◆Interface with clients and vendors.
- ◆Perform load calculations for load panels, battery systems, voltage drop, and other various substation components.
- ◆Perform substation field support and field pre-inspection for “turn-key” substation projects consisting of protection panels, circuit switchers, circuit breakers, transformers, control house, and supporting equipment.
- ◆Mentor new engineers.
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About Ampirical
At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.
We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.
Why Ampirical?
📈 Profit-Sharing Bonus : Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
🩺 Day-One Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision
💼 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
🏖️ PTO : Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
🗓️ Flexible Work Schedule : Every other Friday off
📚 Career Development : Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
🧘 Perks : Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more