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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท 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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Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

See salary details

$58K

$98.9K

$195K

How much do contract relay protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract relay protection engineer in the United States is $98,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Relay Protection Engineers?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers are specialized professionals who design, test, and maintain protective relay systems for electrical power networks on a contract basis. Their main role is to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing damage from faults such as short circuits or equipment failures. Working as contractors, they may serve utilities, industrial clients, or engineering firms for specific projects or periods of time. They are responsible for relay settings, system coordination, troubleshooting, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Relay Protection Engineers when working with different utility clients?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers often encounter varying design standards, documentation practices, and communication protocols when partnering with different utility clients. Adapting quickly to each client's specific requirements and ensuring compliance with their protection schemes can be challenging. Additionally, balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables requires strong organizational skills. Effective collaboration with both in-house teams and client representatives is essential for successful project execution.

What is the difference between Contract Relay Protection Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectContract Relay Protection EngineerSubstation Engineer
CertificationsRelay protection certifications, electrical engineering licensesElectrical engineering licenses, substation design certifications
Work EnvironmentField and project sites, electrical substations, power plantsSubstation facilities, project planning, and design offices
Employer & IndustryPower utilities, electrical contractors, energy companiesUtility companies, engineering firms, infrastructure developers

The Contract Relay Protection Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and commissioning relay protection systems within electrical substations, ensuring system reliability. In contrast, a Substation Engineer oversees the overall design, construction, and maintenance of substations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise and certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ, with the relay protection engineer specializing in protection systems and the substation engineer managing broader substation operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Relay Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Relay Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, experience with power system protection, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Familiarity with relay coordination software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), AutoCAD, and relevant protection standards (IEEE, NERC) is essential, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often preferred. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the reliable design, installation, and maintenance of protective relay systems that safeguard electrical grids and infrastructure.
More about Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract 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 Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,903 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Transmission and Substation Relay Protection Engineer

Chipton-Ross

Topeka, KS โ€ข On-site

$50 - $84/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Transmission and Substation Relay Protection Engineer

Ready to put your protection and control expertise to work on meaningful grid projects? This opportunity supports Evergy in Topeka, KS through Chipton‑Ross on an 18‑month renewable contract with potential to convert to direct hire.

Is this you?
  • Do you have hands-on utility experience with substation, generation, and transmission equipment controls and fault protection?
  • Can you interpret schematic, wiring, and logic diagrams with ease?
  • Are you comfortable creating elementary drawings and relay settings that align with standard protection philosophies?
  • Do you thrive juggling multiple priorities in a high‑pressure setting while keeping details razor‑sharp?
What you’ll tackle
  • Absorb and apply the company’s protection and control design philosophy.
  • Review and redline typical substation protection and transmission line P&C drawings.
  • Assess detailed system protection and control bills of material.
  • Produce relay logic and protection settings to match design intent.
  • Partner with cross‑functional teams; communicate clearly and professionally.
Your background
  • Knowledge of relays and associated protection schemes across generation, transmission, and distribution.
  • Dependable, self‑driven, highly organized; excellent proofreading skills.
  • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases preferred.
Role basics
  • Location: Topeka, KS
  • Term: 18‑month renewable; potential Direct Hire
  • Schedule: Full‑Time, 1st Shift
  • Compensation: Hourly Pay Rate is up to $84.00
Education

Accredited Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Eligibility

US Citizenship is Required

Connect with us

Robert Davis, Chipton‑Ross
Sr. Recruiting Manager | Sr. Account Manager
Phone: 310-414-7800 x305 | Fax: 310-414-7808
Email: rdavis@chiptonross.com

Learn more: chiptonross.com | Robert’s LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn
Ask me about referral bonuses.


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About Chipton-Ross

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chipton-Ross, based in El Segundo, California, is a leading provider of staffing and recruitment services in the US. The company is renowned for its specialization in fields like engineering, information technology, aircraft manufacturing, and other technical industries. Founded in 1983, Chipton-Ross has grown to become a recognized name in the national recruitment arena with a reputation for integrity, quality, and excellence in management. The company's mission is to provide cost-effective staffing solutions that allow their clients to maximize the power of their people, enhancing both perspective and productivity.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

El Segundo, CA, US

Year founded

1983