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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Onni Group

Apprentice Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25/hr

The Apprentice Engineer will perform preventive maintenance and repair on the Hotel's mechanical ... fire protection in compliance with local fire codes. * Assistwith requests to shut down water ...

Arity

Privacy Technology Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

At Allstate, great things happen when our people work together to protect families and their ... Serves as both administrator and developer for the OneTrust privacy suite assisting with consumer ...

ComEd

General Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices. * Knowledge of complex field test ...

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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 Jun 10, 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
Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Seasoned Substation Protection & Controls Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in protective relaying, SCADA, and communications for high voltage substations. Knowledge of microprocessor relays and capable of preparing schematic diagrams. This individual interfaces with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers within the Valdes A&E organization. May visit job site as required for exchange of information.
Responsibilities
  • Solid Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members: assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
  • Ability to prepare design packages consisting of control panel drawings, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials
  • Maintain positive business relationships with key clients' contacts throughout the project lifecycle
  • Coordinate engineering details/drafting with multiple department designers to develop project drawings
  • On-site communication with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers
  • Design of protective relaying schemes for high voltage substations
  • AC and DC load calculations
  • Knowledge of microprocessor relays
  • Development of wiring diagrams and schematic drawings
  • Cable routing design
  • Utility interface design

Protection & Controls Duties
  • Schematic diagram design
  • Relay selection, control panel drawings, and specifications
  • Bills of materials
  • Panel front view and wiring diagrams
  • SCADA overview development
  • Control building and panel hardware specifications
  • Development of sequence of operation and functional description documents

Technical Competencies
  • Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
  • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience working in substation design
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

$100,000 - $165,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.
EEO/AAE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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