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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but also transmission lines between substations (765kV, 345kV, 138kV, 69kV) and distribution lines (34kV ...

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but also transmission lines between substations (765kV, 345kV, 138kV, 69kV) and distribution lines (34kV ...

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but ... Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working ...

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All JobsContract Relay Protection Engineer JobsContract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Jul 17, 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 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.
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:
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Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Power Grid Automation Engineer III

Power Grid Automation Engineer III

G&W Electric

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical lead and programmer for the integration of power grid automation solutions; managing technical deliverables and customer support.
ESSENTIAL DAY TO DAY FUNCTIONS:
  • Assist with G&W switchgear automation solution proposals that include written functional description and pricing.
  • Apply advanced product knowledge of relay protection, automation, and communication in power grid automation applications.
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support to Sales, Marketing, Production Engineering, and customers for customized distribution automation solutions.
  • Manage technical deliverables for Power Grid Automation projects from quoting stage through customer site acceptance without assistance from supervisor.
  • Design logic, program relays and controllers, and test systems as required for projects.
  • Develop flexible program templates and software solutions that can be combined with hardware for customizable product packages
  • Manage technical relationships with key technology partners
  • Train and assist customers with installations and commissioning including on-site activities as necessary.
  • Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
  • Make technical presentations to customers, clients, and/or professional peers.
  • Work with customers to write and present papers about the G&W automation solution provided to them.
  • Provide technical assistance and training for peers and sales staff.
  • Act as a mentor to new Automation Engineers to ensure they become proficient in Power Grid Automation solutions and successfully assimilate into the team.
  • Perform event analysis for all G&W automation solutions.
  • Maintain positive customer interactions.
  • Keep up to date with industry trends by attending conferences and training courses.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required and 5+ years of progressive experience in Power Engineering design and/or development.
  • Preferred technical knowledge:
    • Three Phase power systems including:
      • Symmetrical components
      • Load flow
      • Over current protection functions
    • Relay integration and logic programming for: SEL, ABB, Hitachi, Siemens and/or GE relays
    • Communications including:
      • Standards
      • Fiber Optic Cable Selection and Application
      • Radio Communication and Antenna Selection
      • Cellular Communication and Antenna Selection
    • Typical primary Voltage and Current test procedures
    • Electromagnetics and the application of motors, transformers, and generators on the power distribution system
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with peers and internal and external customers.
  • Strong industrial / utility programming skills with a strong preference for protective relay programming.
  • Training and experience in protective relays, switchgear and electrical troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of MS Windows, Word, Spreadsheet and project applications is required.
  • Ability to travel overnight up to 50% and on occasional weekends.

What we offer you:
Typical pay is $95,000 - 125,000 annually.
Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.
This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program
G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Health club membership program and reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401 (k)
  • Annual Profit Sharing
  • Vacation
  • Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

About G&W Electric
Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
Learn more about our company by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMtAhsdYeUQ
G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!
G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
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