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Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in California

EPS

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA

$65 - $75/hr

Relay Technician II About The Company: Ele ct ric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA -accredited ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

EPS

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA

$65 - $75/hr

Relay Technician II About The Company: Ele ct ric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA -accredited ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

EPS

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Relay Technician II About The Company: Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

EPS

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Relay Technician II About The Company: Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

San Francisco, CA

$70 - $85/hr

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 ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

San Diego, CA

$55 - $78/hr

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 ...

High Priority Plumbing

Sr. Relay Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

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 ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

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 ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

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 ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA

$70 - $85/hr

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 ...

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All JobsProtection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in California

Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

Can I make $1000 a month freelance writing?

Freelance protection relay testing is a specialized technical role that typically pays between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience and certifications. Earning $1000 a month would generally require working around 20 to 50 hours monthly, which is feasible for skilled technicians with consistent projects or contracts.

What are some common challenges freelance protection relay testers face when working independently, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance protection relay testers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules with multiple clients, managing travel to various substations, and ensuring access to up-to-date testing equipment and software. Additionally, staying current with evolving industry standards and maintaining thorough documentation for each project can be demanding without the support of a larger team. Building a strong professional network, investing in ongoing training, and utilizing specialized project management tools can help address these challenges and maintain high-quality service.

What is freelance protection relay testing?

Freelance protection relay testing involves independently assessing and verifying the functionality of protection relays in electrical power systems. These relays are critical for detecting faults and safeguarding equipment by triggering circuit breakers during abnormal conditions. Freelance testers are not tied to a single employer and are often contracted by utilities, industrial plants, or engineering firms to ensure relays are correctly installed, configured, and performing to standards. The role typically requires technical expertise, specialized testing equipment, and knowledge of industry standards such as IEC or IEEE.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Protection Relay Testing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Protection Relay Testing Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, in-depth knowledge of protection schemes, and hands-on experience with relay testing, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with specialized relay testing equipment (such as Omicron, Doble, or Megger), report generation software, and industry standards like IEC or IEEE is crucial. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with clients and resolving complex technical issues. These skills ensure accurate system protection, compliance with safety standards, and client satisfaction in critical power system environments.

What is the difference between Freelance Protection Relay Testing vs Protection Relay Testing?

AspectFreelance Protection Relay TestingProtection Relay Testing
CredentialsTypically requires electrical certifications and relay testing trainingRequires similar certifications, often with additional industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentIndependent, on-site or remote testing for various clientsUsually within utility companies, power plants, or industrial facilities
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or subcontractor in electrical power industryEmployed by utilities, power generation, or industrial firms

Freelance Protection Relay Testing involves independent work testing relays for multiple clients, often requiring certifications and flexible work settings. Protection Relay Testing typically refers to in-house or contracted testing within utility or industrial environments, with a focus on maintaining power system reliability.

What is a freelancer's salary?

The salary for a freelance protection relay testing technician varies based on experience, location, and project complexity, typically ranging from $20 to $50 per hour. Freelancers often set their rates and may earn more with specialized skills, certifications, and a strong reputation in the industry.

What is a freelance example?

A freelance example involves a self-employed professional offering services independently, such as testing protection relays for clients on a project basis. Freelancers typically set their own schedules, work remotely or on-site, and may require relevant certifications or technical skills. This work often involves contract-based arrangements without long-term employment commitments.

What does freelance mean?

Freelance protection relay testing involves working independently to evaluate and ensure the proper functioning of protection relays used in electrical systems. Freelance workers typically set their own schedules, may work on multiple projects, and often require specialized knowledge of electrical testing tools and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Protection Relay Testing jobs in California? The most popular types of Protection Relay Testing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in California? For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings:
Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Protection & Control Engineer/Technician Field Work Exp

Talent Search PRO

Sacramento, CA

$100K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Protection & Control Engineer/Technician – Field Testing & Commissioning
Travel-Heavy Field Role – Up to 80%

Join a leading team supporting high-voltage substation projects across transmission, distribution, and generation environments. We’re looking for Protection & Control Field Testing Engineers at all experience levels to perform hands-on testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and documentation of critical P&C systems. Candidates should expect five 10-hour workdays per week.

What You’ll Do:

  • Test and commission P&C systems on high-voltage substations (15 kV – 500 kV)

  • Perform protective relay testing (SEL, GE, Basler, Beckwith) with Omicron or Doble test sets

  • Execute CT/PT verification, relay calibration, control scheme testing, and dynamic/static testing

  • Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and logic diagrams; produce detailed field reports

  • Support Project Leads/Field Supervisors and manage clerical/project documentation

What You Bring:

  • 5+ years in substation field testing (breakers, transformers, instrument transformers, P&C systems)

  • Proficiency with relay families: SEL-311L, SEL-387, SEL-487, SEL-421, SEL-351S, GE L90/D60, etc.

  • Experience with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and related standards

  • Knowledge of test software: ProTesT, Protection Suite, ENOSERV RTS, Omicron Test Universe, AcSELerator Quickset

  • Ability to travel extensively (up to 80%) and lift 50+ lbs

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering/Electrical Technology

  • Electromechanical relay testing and high-voltage commissioning experience (CTs, CCVTs, PLC/SCADA, DC systems)

  • IEC 61850 testing and commissioning experience

Competitive pay and growth opportunities for skilled P&C engineers. Step into a role where every test, every relay, and every report matters.