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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but ... Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working ...

MPC-MasTec Industrial

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The position of E&I Engineer will provide technical direction to assigned design efforts pre-and ... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ...

MPC-MasTec Industrial

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The position of E&I Engineer will provide technical direction to assigned design efforts pre-and ... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ...

MasTec Industrial

Engineer, E&I

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

The position of E&I Engineer will provide technical direction to assigned design efforts pre-and ... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ...

MasTec Industrial

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

The position of E&I Engineer will provide technical direction to assigned design efforts pre-and ... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ...

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All JobsApprentice Relay Protection Engineer JobsApprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

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

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice relay protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Apprentice Relay Protection Engineers?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Power Grid Automation Engineer III

Power Grid Automation Engineer III

G&W Electric

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical lead and programmer for the integration of power grid automation solutions; managing technical deliverables and customer support.
ESSENTIAL DAY TO DAY FUNCTIONS:
  • Assist with G&W switchgear automation solution proposals that include written functional description and pricing.
  • Apply advanced product knowledge of relay protection, automation, and communication in power grid automation applications.
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support to Sales, Marketing, Production Engineering, and customers for customized distribution automation solutions.
  • Manage technical deliverables for Power Grid Automation projects from quoting stage through customer site acceptance without assistance from supervisor.
  • Design logic, program relays and controllers, and test systems as required for projects.
  • Develop flexible program templates and software solutions that can be combined with hardware for customizable product packages
  • Manage technical relationships with key technology partners
  • Train and assist customers with installations and commissioning including on-site activities as necessary.
  • Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
  • Make technical presentations to customers, clients, and/or professional peers.
  • Work with customers to write and present papers about the G&W automation solution provided to them.
  • Provide technical assistance and training for peers and sales staff.
  • Act as a mentor to new Automation Engineers to ensure they become proficient in Power Grid Automation solutions and successfully assimilate into the team.
  • Perform event analysis for all G&W automation solutions.
  • Maintain positive customer interactions.
  • Keep up to date with industry trends by attending conferences and training courses.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required and 5+ years of progressive experience in Power Engineering design and/or development.
  • Preferred technical knowledge:
    • Three Phase power systems including:
      • Symmetrical components
      • Load flow
      • Over current protection functions
    • Relay integration and logic programming for: SEL, ABB, Hitachi, Siemens and/or GE relays
    • Communications including:
      • Standards
      • Fiber Optic Cable Selection and Application
      • Radio Communication and Antenna Selection
      • Cellular Communication and Antenna Selection
    • Typical primary Voltage and Current test procedures
    • Electromagnetics and the application of motors, transformers, and generators on the power distribution system
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with peers and internal and external customers.
  • Strong industrial / utility programming skills with a strong preference for protective relay programming.
  • Training and experience in protective relays, switchgear and electrical troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of MS Windows, Word, Spreadsheet and project applications is required.
  • Ability to travel overnight up to 50% and on occasional weekends.

What we offer you:
Typical pay is $95,000 - 125,000 annually.
Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.
This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program
G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Health club membership program and reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401 (k)
  • Annual Profit Sharing
  • Vacation
  • Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

About G&W Electric
Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
Learn more about our company by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMtAhsdYeUQ
G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!
G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
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