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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Illinois

$95K - $125K/yr

Technical lead and programmer for the integration of power grid automation solutions; managing ... Apply advanced product knowledge of relay protection, automation, and communication in power grid ...

Engineer, E&I

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ... Review RFP/RFQ/Contract packages for technical requirements * Prepare and maintain proposal ...

Engineer, E&I

Rockford, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

... in relay protection and controls. Location and Travel Details: This is a remote role and can be ... Review RFP/RFQ/Contract packages for technical requirements * Prepare and maintain proposal ...

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 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?

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 the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

PE - Protection for Data Center Eng team

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Fairview Heights, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Possesses, understands and applies knowledge and experience of power system focus area* and related SEL products to complete complex assignments.

2. Lead in training and assisting customers with the creation, design configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.

3. Lead in assigning, completing and implementing work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.

4. Assist in the identification, preparation and presentation of successful proposals for SEL equipment, services, and systems.

5. Mentor and develop professional staff. May supervise as necessary.

6. Model, teach, and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

7. Understand. Create. Simplify.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

B.S. In Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline

5+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and *focus area practices and philosophies

Demonstrated knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications

Demonstrated proven knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications

Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area

Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Background check results satisfactory to SEL
Negative drug test result(s)


Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification

Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience

Project management experience

Working knowledge of Vision or other project management tracking software

Focus Area = Protection

  • Protection = system protection, protective relays and their applications, settings, and testing.


Physical Requirements
None

Location: Open to any of these office locations:

Plymouth, MI- This position is located in Plymouth, Michigan, positioned between Ann Arbor and Detroit. The cultural and educational hub of Southeast Michigan, Plymouth is surrounded by parks and historic neighborhoods with top-rated school districts. Rated one of the safest cities in Michigan, and among the top Best Places to Raise a Family, Plymouth offers year-round outdoor recreation and festivals. Nearby world-class cultural attractions and a vibrant business community make Plymouth a highly sought-after place to call home.

Lakewood, CO-This position is located in Lakewood, CO. Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and located just seven miles away from Denver, making Lakewood a perfect place to live and work. Enjoy an unmatched quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation and great schools.

Fairview Heights, IL- This position is located in Fairview Heights, IL. Located just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. A quick Metrorail trip to the city will allow you to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, including professional sports teams, first rate entertainment, and great universities. Enjoy local shops, easy access to parks, and great dinning. Fairview Heights is a city rich in history, and values community, making it the perfect place to live and work.

Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

Markham, ON- This position is located in Markham, ON, located just 30 km from downtown Toronto. Enjoy beautiful views of the Rouge River Valley, and access to trails and outdoor recreation. Markham is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its award winning heritage district, and performing arts. Enjoy all the amenities of the big city or explore beautiful green spaces. Whatever your interest, you will find it in Markham.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • SEL makes an annual Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution for eligible employees. The group RRSP also supports personal contributions.
  • We offer top tier health insurance that includes extended coverage for medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: Statutory paid holidays, personal holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 15 days, 9 paid sick days, parental leave that covers up to 90% of regular earnings, and family medical and compassionate leave.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, and adoption assistance.
Pay Range

Project Engineer II $115,000 - 170,000 per year.

Project Engineer III $136,000 - 201,000 per year.

We are open to reviewing candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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