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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer information

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How much do apprentice relay protection engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice relay protection engineer in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice relay protection engineer?

Apprentice Relay Protection Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protective relays and related equipment in electrical power systems. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers as they learn the principles of power system protection and the operation of relays that help prevent damage to equipment during electrical faults. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical grids, and they often work in utility companies or large industrial facilities. Apprenticeship in this field typically involves hands-on training as well as classroom instruction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice relay protection engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, knowledge of power systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with protection relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry standards such as IEEE is important, and relevant certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training) can be advantageous. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate system protection, maintain power grid reliability, and support safe, efficient project execution.

What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice relay protection engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as understanding complex relay schemes and adapting to the technical language used in the field. Staying up to date with frequent software and hardware updates, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards, and accurately interpreting protection diagrams can also be demanding. However, these challenges are usually addressed through hands-on mentorship, structured training programs, and collaborative teamwork with experienced engineers, which accelerates your learning and confidence.

What is the difference between Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer vs Relay Protection Engineer?

AspectApprentice Relay Protection EngineerRelay Protection Engineer
QualificationsBasic technical diploma or associate degree, on-the-job trainingBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field, professional certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, training-focusedMore independent, responsible for designing and maintaining protection systems
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in relay testing, learning system operationsDeveloping protection schemes, troubleshooting, system optimization

The main difference between an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer and a Relay Protection Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Apprentices are in training, focusing on learning and assisting, while relay protection engineers are more experienced professionals responsible for system design and maintenance.

What cities are hiring for Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs include:

Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

We areseekinga skilled,passionateand dedicated Protection Engineer to join our SEL Engineering Services team.As a Power System Protection Engineer, you willbe responsible forensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, testing, implementing, and effective protection and control schemes. Yourexpertisein relay protection and controls, relay coordination, and power systems will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As aProtection Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Design, develop, and implement protection and control schemes for power systems, including relay protection and control systems.

  • Create protective relay settings for transmission & distribution utilities, substations, and industrial clients.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Work alongside industry-recognized protection experts while developingexpertisein advanced relay technologies, automation systems, transmission protection, and utility modernization initiatives.

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities tovalidatethe functionality and performance of protection schemes.

  • Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

This job might be for you if:

  • You have a B.S.or M.S.degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and relay coordination techniques.

  • You are familiar with relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC/FERC regulations.

  • You have proven experience in designing and implementing protection and control schemes in a utility or industrial setting.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex power system protection challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Possesses,understandsandappliesthe fundamental concepts,practicesand procedures ofpower system protection and related SEL products.

  • Train andassistcustomers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation,commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.

  • Complete and implement assigned work within agreed upon scope,scheduleand budget toa high levelof quality and safety.

  • Participate in the preparation of functional design specifications.

  • Prepare andmaintaindetailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.

  • Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World ClassManufacturing Principles.

  • Understand. Create. Simplify.

  • Other duties as assigned.
    Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline

  • 3+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and protection design practices and philosophies

  • Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control

  • Working knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications

  • Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area

  • Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills

  • Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities

  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

  • Background check results satisfactory to SEL

  • Negative drug testresult(s)


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification

  • Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience

  • Project engineering experience

  • Experience developing ac/dc schematics, single line diagrams, wiring diagrams for protection and control applications

  • Experience developing settings configuration files for SEL devicesusingAcSELeratorQuickSet

Don'tmiss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!

Location Information:

  • Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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