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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Modesto, CA

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Knowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB. Ability to develop programming macros for use in automated relay testing Ideal Candidate ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Knowledge of programming and testing protection relays from GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, and ABB. Ability to develop programming macros for use in automated relay testing Ideal Candidate ...

west coast magenetics

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... or contract manufacturing is preferred What We Offer * 401(k) with company matching * Medical ... protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other ...

Urgent

Careers at Teichert

Project Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

Promotes, and protects Teichert Construction values including diversity, teamwork, fair work ... Develops and creates diaries, submittals, RFI's, contracts, permits, price quotes, purchase orders ...

Teichert

Project Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

Promotes, and protects Teichert Construction values including diversity, teamwork, fair work ... Develops and creates diaries, submittals, RFI's, contracts, permits, price quotes, purchase orders ...

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All JobsContract Relay Protection Engineer JobsContract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Modesto, CA

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$61.2K

$104.3K

$205.7K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract relay protection engineer in Modesto, CA is $104,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,800.00 and $108,100.00 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 cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,343 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic (Meter & Relay) (Journeyman/CIT)

Tracy, CA • On-site

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)external

$59.43/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This position is part of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). As an Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic (Meter & Relay) (Journeyman/CIT), you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and programming of complex electrical and electronic equipment within power system substations.Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C).
Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified below.
The screen-out element for this position is below. Failure to meet this screen out element will result in an ineligible rating:

  • Ability to do the work of a Meter and Relay Craftsman independently without greater than normal supervision (Install and commission, or maintain and repair, protective relay equipment and/or polyphase revenue metering equipment associated with power system distribution or transmission systems.)
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by job titles alone.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Working Conditions: Work is done both indoors and outside in variable weather conditions. Work often requires considerable driving, some in rugged isolated areas requiring four-wheel drive, often alone. Work can require considerable travel requiring temporary lodging away from duty station. May be required to travel in a fixed wing aircraft, helicopter, snow mobile, or snow cat to work sites.
Physical Effort: May lift and carry loads over 50 pounds, often in outdoor environments that pose difficult terrain issues. May work in close, restricted quarters. Standing, bending, stooping for long periods of time may be required. May be required to hike, climb, or use other methods to get to remote equipment sites as local terrain and climate conditions require.Education:

For this position, education cannot be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER

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