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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sr. Relay Technician

Willowbrook, IL ยท On-site

$55 - $90/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Electrical Engineer - Substation Design Position: Full-Time Location: Any (Florida and Illinois ... Support breaker, transformer, relay, and protection scheme selection and integration. * Ensure ...

Electrical Engineer - Substation Design Position: Full-Time Location: Any (Florida and Illinois ... Support breaker, transformer, relay, and protection scheme selection and integration. * Ensure ...

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Engineer, E&I

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$59.7K

$101.9K

$200.9K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract relay protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $101,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $105,600.00 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 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,884 per year, or $49 per hour.

Sr. Relay Technician

EPS

Willowbrook, IL โ€ข On-site

$55 - $90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Relay Technician

About The Company: 

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization specializing in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Perks:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Talent Development โ€“ Instructor-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
  • Career Path Planning
  • Incentives for Professional Certifications
  • Competitive Per Diem for Travel
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is between $55.00 โ€“ $90.00 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and troubleshooting relays in electrical power stations. Your duties involve using relay test equipment and tools to test several types of relays inside the electrical substation. 


  • Lead safety briefings on job site, identify, eliminate, or mitigate hazards. 
  • Utilize Human Performance Error Elimination concepts and tools.  
  • Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. 
  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and function testing of substation control circuits on relay panel, transformer & circuit breaker change-outs.   
  • Ability to analyze event records and make informed deductions   
  • Develop Project Execution, Commissioning, Outage Sequence & Energization Procedures. 
  • Project management of large scale and complex projects. 
  • Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I   
  • Interact with customers. 
  • Perform complex troubleshooting. 
  • Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze the operation of the relay based on the fault type run. 
  • Lead investigations of electrical related issues, including root cause analysis as needed. 
  • Calibrate & perform functional tests on both electromechanical and microprocessor based protective relays for substations. 
  • Function as an on-site lead for the project, assign tasks, prioritize activities and interface with customers. 
  • Read and fully understand protection and control schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams and catch mistakes and problems with the drawings and design when comparing with accepted engineering and customer standards. 
  • Determine and interpret customerโ€™s requirements and provide final deliverables including as built prints and all test results meeting specified requirements. 
  • Understand manufacturesโ€™ literature to facilitate testing.  

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.

  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check. 
  • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a safe driving record. 
  • Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations. 
  • Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits. 
  • Knowledge of relay test software. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Experience installing, maintaining, testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment.  

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical/Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred 
  • 5+ Years of Relevant Industry Experience 
  • NETA III/IV Certified, preferred 

Physical Requirements:  

  • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs. 

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, age or any other characteristics protected by state or federal laws. 

EPS does not work with individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies, and will not recognize claim to any unsolicited resumes or candidate information.

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