1

Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Showing results 21-40

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$63K

$107.4K

$211.8K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract relay protection engineer in Boston, MA is $107,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $111,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Systems

Asplundh Engineering Services, LLC

Foxboro, MA • Hybrid

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We’re looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer – Power Systems who is ready to shape the future of the grid and support the reliability of critical power infrastructure across the country to join us in our Foxborough, MA office. At Asplundh Engineering Services (AES), you will lead engineering solutions, tackle complex power system challenges, and contribute directly to utility‑scale transmission, distribution, and substation projects.

You’ll be trusted with meaningful technical decisions, supported by a collaborative engineering team, and given opportunities to innovate as the industry evolves. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, take ownership of your work, and want to see the impact of your engineering expertise, this is the place to grow your career.

Are you ready to make your mark?

Work Location & Schedule

This position requires a hybrid work schedule based out of our Foxborough, MA office. While the schedule offers flexibility, candidates must be able to work on‑site several days per week, or as required by the leadership team or specific project needs.

How You Will Make an Impact
  • Lead engineering design and analysis for transmission, distribution, and substation projects.
  • Perform power system studies including short‑circuit, coordination, arc flash, and load flow.
  • Develop and review Protection & Control designs, relay logic, trip schemes, and settings.
  • Configure and integrate substation networking systems including managed switches and LAN architecture.
  • Conduct event and disturbance analysis for system troubleshooting and restoration.
  • Create and review SCADA configurations including HMI screens, RTU logic, and communication interfaces.
  • Interpret and apply utility standards, industry codes, and cybersecurity requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership on multi‑disciplinary project teams.
  • Mentor and support junior engineering personnel.
  • Interface directly with utility clients to present engineering solutions and resolve technical issues.
  • Support field activities including commissioning, relay testing, troubleshooting, and verification.
  • Serve as the Owner’s Engineer (OE) by reviewing designs and guiding project teams.
What You’ll Need to Be Successful
  • 8–12+ years of experience in power systems, electrical engineering, or protection and control engineering.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
  • Strong knowledge of power system theory, relay protection, and substation design.
  • Experience with relay programming and configuration (SEL, GE, Beckwith, electromechanical).
  • Experience with substation networking and managed switches (e.g., Ruggedcom).
  • Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development (Cimplicity), and RTUs.
  • Proficiency with power system study tools such as ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, SKM, or similar.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • IEC‑61850 / GOOSE experience preferred.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
Key Skills and Technologies
  • Power Systems Engineering
  • Protection & Control (P&C)
  • Relay Programming (SEL, GE, Beckwith)
  • Substation Engineering
  • Transmission & Distribution (T&D)
  • SCADA, RTU, HMI, IED
  • Managed Switches (Ruggedcom)
  • IEC 61850 / GOOSE
  • Short Circuit, Coordination, Arc Flash, Load Flow Studies
  • ETAP, ASPEN, CAPE, SKM
  • Event Analysis
  • System Modeling
  • NERC/Cybersecurity Awareness
  • Field Testing and Commissioning
  • Utility Standards and Compliance
Compensation & Benefits

In accordance with applicable law, final compensation will be based on the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, geographical location, and the requirements of the position.

  • This role is also eligible for an annual bonus and profit sharing.
  • Asplundh reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time.
  • Asplundh offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:
    • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
    • (health, dental, and vision start day 1 of employment!)
    • Fringe benefits
    • Paid time off
About Us
Asplundh Engineering Services (AES) provides safe, reliable engineering, design, planning, systems integration, and testing services for transmission, distribution, substation, commercial, industrial, and renewable energy markets across the U.S.
An Asplundh Company
As part of One Asplundh, AES customers have access to a full range of integrated services including engineering, construction, testing, storm response, and utility vegetation management through a single point of contact.
Our Commitment
We partner closely with our customers to deliver high‑quality, technically sound solutions with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and innovation.
 
 
 #LI-Hybrid