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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

EPS

Systems Protection Group Engineer IV

Richardson, TX · On-site +1

... Protection Group Engineer IV . Perform and review System studies including Short Circuit ... Perform and review Relay programming for multiple platforms including SEL, GE, ABB, Basler, Siemens ...

The AES Corporation

Relay Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

AES is hiring for a Relay Engineer (all levels) to join our Engineering Services Team at AES Ohio ... This position is responsible for the engineering and design requirements for protective relaying to ...

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Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

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$58K

$98.9K

$195K

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

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract relay protection engineer in the United States is $98,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs are:
Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,903 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Power Systems Protection Engineer

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Charlotte, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Power System Protection Engineer to join our Engineering Services team. As a Power System Protection Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, testing, implementing, and effective protection and control schemes. Your expertise in relay protection and controls, relay coordination, and power systems will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Protection Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Design, develop, and implement protection and control schemes for power systems, including relay protection and control systems.

  • Create protective relay settings for transmission & distribution utilities, substations, and industrial clients.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities to validate the functionality and performance of protection schemes.

  • Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

This job might be for you if:

  • You have a B.S. degree in electrical engineering or relevant disciplineor experience.

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and relay coordination techniques.

  • You are familiar with relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC/FERC regulations.

  • You have proven experience in designing and implementing protection and control schemes in a utility or industrial setting.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex power system protection challenges.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!

Location : We have openings in Multiple Locations

Lewis Center, OH- This position is located in Lewis Center, OH, located 15miles outside of downtown Columbus. Here you will enjoy all the big city has to offer, including easy access to outdoor recreation, professional sports teams, and great universities. Centrally located in Ohio and quickly growing, you won't have to look far for great dining, shopping, and entertainment. There has never been a better time to call Lewis Center home.

King of Prussia, PA- This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.

Alpharetta, GA- This position is located in Alpharetta, GA. The city is located between the North Georgia Mountains and Atlanta, allowing residents to enjoy the big city, and easy access to outdoor recreation. However, you won't have to look to Atlanta for big city comforts, Alpharetta is quickly growing and offers amazing shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Charlotte, NC -

This position is located in Charlotte, NC, a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the heart of North Carolina. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, it seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and dynamic atmosphere. With an eclectic culinary scene, charming neighborhoods, and a warm southern hospitality, Charlotte exudes a unique charm that captivates residents and visitors alike.

Wesley Chapel, FL - This position is located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Just north of Tampa, Wesley Chapel offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and city convenience. Residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, vibrant shopping centers, and a growing food scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic parks, nature trails, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches. With its welcoming community and dynamic growth, Wesley Chapel is an ideal place to live and work. #INDD2

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

We anticipate filling this position between $90,000 - $160,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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