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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Plainfield, IL

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Senior P&C Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

We strongly prefer an Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on substation protective relaying. This position will be responsible for the design and engineering for substation relay replacements ...

New

Mesa Associates Inc.

Senior P&C Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

We strongly prefer an Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on substation protective relaying. This position will be responsible for the design and engineering for substation relay replacements ...

New

Mesa Accosiates

Senior P&C Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

We strongly prefer an Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on substation protective relaying. This position will be responsible for the design and engineering for substation relay replacements ...

New

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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer information

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$21

$36

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 Plainfield, IL is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $23.41 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 near Plainfield, IL are hiring for Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Plainfield, IL with the most Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you

Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Warrenville, IL • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Kimley-Horn's Warrenville, Illinois (IL) office is seeking a Substation Protection and Control (P&C) Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation protection and control projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing protection packages, relay one-line and three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, communications diagrams, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with cross discipline teams. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in utility protection and control standards, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation protection and control design for utility and renewable energy projects.
  • Develop protection packages for transmission and distribution substations.
  • Prepare AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay panel layouts, and interconnection drawings.
  • Develop relay one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and logic diagrams.
  • Design station service AC and DC systems associated with protection and control equipment.
  • Perform quality control reviews on protection and control design projects.
  • Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
  • Create and review bills of materials for relay panels, control cabinets, communications equipment, and P&C systems.
  • Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation P&C projects.
  • Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to protection and control design.
  • Support commissioning activities, relay testing, troubleshooting, and energization planning.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.
  • Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the Power Delivery team.

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCADE, MicroStation and Bluebeam.

Salary Range: $100,000-$160,000
Why Kimley-Horn?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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