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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Substation Engineer

Crown Point, IN · Hybrid

$36.06 - $57.69/hr

... protection schemes, review schematic drawings, perform power system calculations, and develop relay ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Crown Point, IN. Pay and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 6, 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 Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

ComEd

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


ComEd rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are: We're powering a cleaner, brighter future.
Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.
We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).
We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive.
In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career.
Are you in? Primary Purpose:

T&S Relay Engineering is responsible for designing protection schemes for equipment within a substation.  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, 12kV, 4kV).  In addition to these primary responsibilities, Relay Engineers are provided opportunities for leadership and professional development: Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working Groups and Committees; Drive Execution of Initiatives Requiring Interdepartmental Coordination; and Continual Enhancement of the Engineering Skillset. Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties:
  • Leads and performs assignments in specialized areas requiring extensive engineering expertise, requiring maintaining state-of-the-art engineering credential in the specialized technical area 
  • Leads and performs engineering tasks and projects associated with a critical or analytical engineering project or a small number of complex projects that require specialized knowledge in many areas, may include field testing, troubleshooting, and peer review 
  • Evaluates, develops, implements, and leads projects that have significant financial and operational impact, may also develop initial commissioning plans. Plans, writes, and performs tasks for documentation deliverables and projects: 
  • Provides detailed technical training, mentorship, peer review, and/or guidance to others 
  • Participates in department planning, through field/site walkdowns, attend meetings/conference calls, provide budget recommendations, and monitor performance for the accomplishment of committed results
  • May participate in technical and industry societies and committees to enhance knowledge of new technologies or issues in area of company interest
  • Performs assignments while acting independently, and may lead multi-discipline teams, may include providing direct oversight of contractors.
  • Serves as an expert in specialized area. 
  • Acts as an expert witness or provide expert opinions as required.
  • Provides recommendations to management and implements action plans to improve performance and cost effectiveness.
Job Scope:
  • Influences project decisions having a significant impact on the company.
  • Applies technical knowledge to help promote a safe work environment and to enhance customer satisfaction
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Licensed Professional Engineer (2) (3) Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches and engineering theory.
  • Detailed knowledge of applicable standards, codes methods, and practices unique to areas of expertise.
  • 7+ years of professional engineering experience (1) (3) (See Note 3. Thorough knowledge and experience in unique areas of engineering expertise.
  • Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to identify and resolve complex issues.
  • Minimum of three related career experiences (4) (i.e., changes in technical job responsibilities, which may or may not include a change in department) OR
  • Lead Member of a recognized industry committee OR
  • Professional Engineer's License (2), advanced technical degree, MBA or Project Management Certification (1) Master's degree in Engineering reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (2) License must be issued by the state in which you are practicing. (3) PE License reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (4) Career related experiences is defined as changes in technical job responsibilities and does not have to include a change in department.
  • Note: Items (1) and (3) are mutually inclusive, whereby the maximum experience requirement reduction is one (1) year (e.g., in the case of an employee with both a master's degree in Engineering AND a PE license, the minimum experience requirement would be reduced by one (1) year).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree (1) or Graduate level work in Engineering, Business Administration or Project Management Certification
  • Professional Engineer license (2) (3)
  • Strong teamwork, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with all management levels.
  • Strong written and oral communication/presentation skills, report generation & technical writing skills
Benefits:
  • Annual salary will vary based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $103,200.00/Yr. – $141,900.00/Yr.
  • Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 15%
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
  • Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program
  • And much more

Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.

What ComEd employees say

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About ComEd

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ComEd began as the Western Edison Light Company, one of several companies owned by inventor and researcher Thomas Edison. In July 1892, another Edison employee moved to Chicago to run Edison's local company, Chicago Edison. Sam Insull had a sharp business mind and eagerly increased his knowledge of electricity. Through improved marketing and increased demand for electric lighting, Commonwealth Edison was born in September 1907. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd's service territory borders Iroquois County to the south (roughly Interstate 80), the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1907

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