1

Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Relay Technician (CO)

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$55 - $70/hr

We are a full-service engineering consulting firm specializing in electrical engineering ... Strong understanding of protection relays and high-voltage protection * Working knowledge of high ...

Protection & Controls Engineer

Denver, CO ยท Hybrid

$85K - $111K/yr

... analyses Perform protective relay coordination and settings Create cable schedules, conduit ... Since 1994, RCS recruits top talent for direct hire, temp-to-perm and contract staffing positions ...

... relay protection schemes, etc. * Provide electrical engineering subject matter expertise regarding ... new project design and equipment specification * Ensure facility electrical drawings are accurate ...

... relay protection schemes, etc. * Provide electrical engineering subject matter expertise regarding ... new project design and equipment specification * Ensure facility electrical drawings are accurate ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

What is a contract relay protection engineer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract relay protection engineer?

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.

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 job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Relay Technician (CO)

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$55 - $70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

At Excel Engineering, we are the power behind our clients' processes.


We are a full-service engineering consulting firm specializing in electrical engineering, industrial automation, and power systems. For over 30 years, we've partnered with leading companies across industries to deliver solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and performance.


Our work spans sectors including life sciences, consumer goods, chemical, oil & gas, and utilities, giving our team the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects.


What sets us apart is our approach, we build long-term partnerships by understanding our clients' operations and acting as an extension of their team. If you're looking to grow your skills, take on meaningful challenges, and make a real impact, Excel Engineering offers the opportunity to do just that.


Role Overview

  • Take the lead on substation testing and inspection projects
  • Analyze wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering documents
  • Act as a trusted on-site subject matter expert
  • Oversee quality and safety standards during testing
  • Detect and troubleshoot issues at substation sites

Requirements

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of relay technician experience
  • Strong understanding of protection relays and high-voltage protection
  • Working knowledge of high voltage potential transformers, current transformers, high voltage breakers, and SCADA systems.
  • Skilled in troubleshooting and repairing substation relaying/control equipment
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Education

  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field

Required Skills

  • Read manufacturer manuals and prepare commissioning checklists
  • Develop commissioning plans and outage sequencing schedules
  • Evaluate relay protection schemes and perform design changes
  • Program, test, and validate relay settings and control circuits
  • Perform fault testing and reconcile results
  • Safely energize and direct field operations at substations
  • Conduct current and potential transformer testing
  • Interpret schematics and verify system inputs/outputs
  • Familiar with symmetrical components, phasors, and zones of protection
  • Experience with digital fault recorders and SCADA systems
  • Knowledge of RTU, PLC, and substation integration hardware/software
  • Proficient in DNP3, MODBUS, RS-232/485, and Ethernet communication protocols
  • Capable of EMS point verification with utility operating personnel
  • Familiar with metering quantities, transducers, and control circuit lamping tests
  • Trainable in various RTU software packages


We offer...

Growth & Development: Ongoing continuing education, hands-on training, and opportunities to expand your skills.

Career Advancement Support: Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan with employer matching.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

Wellness Focus: Access to programs designed to support your overall well-being.

Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and flexible work environment

Flexibility & Trust: A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.

Share the Talent, Share the Rewards: We value great people recommending great people, which is why our employee referral program is designed to reward you continuously


We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. At Excel Engineering, we're proud of our positive, high-performing culture where teamwork, continuous improvement, and a service-oriented mindset help us do our best work every day. If you enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding environment, you'll love being part of our team!
ย 

Excel Engineering, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

We value diverse perspectives and believe they strengthen our work, our teams, and the solutions we deliver to clients. We encourage candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering to apply. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team at ExcelHR@exceleng.net.