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Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

EPS

Relay Technician I

West Chester, OH · On-site

Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design EPS and customer specifications. * Build test plans for Overcurrent, Transformer, Bus Diff ...

EPS

Relay Technician I

West Chester, OH · On-site

Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design EPS and customer specifications. * Build test plans for Overcurrent, Transformer, Bus Diff ...

Qualus

Lead Relay Field Technician

Dayton, OH

The Lead Relay Field Technician calibrates, installs, maintains, and repairs protective relays and ... and testing. * 3 phase power systems; power system protection & control schemes; test equipment ...

Qualus

Lead Relay Field Technician

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$44 - $90/hr

The Lead Relay Field Technician calibrates, installs, maintains, and repairs protective relays and ... and testing. * 3 phase power systems; power system protection & control schemes; test equipment ...

Integrated Power Services

Protective Relay testing including electro-mechanical and solid state * Continuity, Ground Fault * Power Quality * Troubleshooting, inspecting, start-ups and collect data on: switchgear, circuit ...

Integrated Power Services

Protective Relay testing including electro-mechanical and solid state * Continuity, Ground Fault * Power Quality * Troubleshooting, inspecting, start-ups and collect data on: switchgear, circuit ...

Dashiell

Field Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Perform protective relay testing, calibration, and commissioning across electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor-based platforms. * Conduct acceptance testing, functional testing, and ...

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Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

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 are popular job titles related to Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Ohio? For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs? Cities in Ohio 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 Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Supervisor Transmission & Substation Services

Supervisor Transmission & Substation Services

FirstEnergy Corp.

Akron, OH • On-site

$57K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

FirstEnergy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description


FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
About the Opportunity
This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
This position can be located in Any FE Location
This position will oversee the work of staff responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing FEU's use of protective relaying and controls testing programs (currently Doble's Relay Testing Software (RTS) and Doble Protection Suite), provide support to relay technicians utilizing the programs and FEU's adherence to NERC PRC-005 Maintenance requirements. This entails providing technical support and subject matter equipment expertise of electrical substation safety guidelines, maintenance practices and methods, utility industry standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Responsibilities include:
  • Supervising a team of employees responsible for Relay Testing System support
    • Ensuring consistent use of the relay test software across FEU
    • Developing, Testing, and Issuing Relay Test Routines
    • Providing field technical support for the relaying test software
    • Working with Asset Management & Records Control on relay test software key purchases and upgrades to the software
    • Supporting testing of new equipment and tools to improve field performance
    • Providing training to field personnel on the use of the relay test software
  • Supervising a team of employees responsible for providing technical oversight to FE regulatory compliance commitments, specifically NERC requirements PRC-005
    • Assisting field personnel with testing methods and documentation for protection systems outlined in NERC PRC-005, including relays, communications equipment, trip coils, DC systems, control circuitry, sensing devices, and Sudden Pressure Relays (SPRs)
    • Assisting field personnel with compliance documentation requirements
    • Reviewing and following up on maintenance orders programmatically flagged for equipment issues or incomplete documentation.
    • Coordinating with FE IT department on PRC-005 requirements related to protection system communication equipment
    • Providing ad-hoc training to new personnel on NERC compliance responsibilities
    • Performing substation asset field audits to verify asset inventories after construction project completion
    • Commissioning record review
    • Assisting with the preparation for compliance audits conducted by internal resources, consultants or regulator organizations
    • Conducting or reviewing Apparent or Root Cause analysis related to compliance issues
  • Assisting in the development or modification of FirstEnergy Substation Maintenance Practices
  • Participating in industry meetings to confirm FirstEnergy has a voice in direction of industry (i.e. Doble RTS user group or applicable relay forums like NATF and EPRI working groups)
  • Supporting FE storm restoration processes including performing assigned field storm roles during significant system disturbances
  • Creating an environment of accountability and a sense of urgency for meeting agreed-upon expectations/deadlines
  • Executing the performance management process by providing feedback and coaching on an ongoing basis throughout the year
  • Actively partnering with staff to assist them in creating priorities, developing goals, assessing progress, and providing meaningful feedback
  • Willingness to travel throughout the FirstEnergy system including periodic overnight stays
  • Maintaining a safe workplace for coworkers and the community based upon knowledge of potential hazards and industry regulations/requirements

Qualifications include:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, or Project Management plus four (4) years relevant experience. In lieu of a college degree, consideration will be given to applicants having an extensive multi-disciplined technical and operational background with eight (8) years relevant experience.
  • Relevant work experience includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: regulatory compliance, utility experience, substation maintenance, protective relay experience, system planning, database administration, data reporting, and data analysis
  • Management/leadership experience preferred.
  • Commitment to FirstEnergy's Safety Policies and the Accident Prevention Handbook
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees at all levels of FirstEnergy Corp.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills; Ability to effectively present complex subject matter to all levels of management and to outside stakeholders
  • Experience in leading projects, process/project development, planning/analysis, and performance reporting is desired.
  • Demonstrate a questioning attitude to continue to learn, produce results, and strengthen existing relationships
  • Model active learning through continuing to develop breadth of knowledge, skills, and perspective
  • Deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines; Coach others in effective decision making
  • Effective leadership skills, to communicate with and direct work of others, ensure safety and create productive and positive work results.
  • A working knowledge of electrical engineering, transmission substation equipment, transmission system protection and transmission system operations is preferred.
  • Understanding of FirstEnergy's Manual of Operations is preferred.
  • A general knowledge of regulatory requirements from both state and federal agencies that impact the design, maintenance and operations of transmission and distribution substations is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of electric utility operations and compliance is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of general compliance documentation and audit procedures as well as Regulatory audit processes is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Familiarity with either or all - Cascade / PowerBase / RTS / Energy Delivery Outage Application (EDOA) / SAP / PowerBI is preferred

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience.
The estimated pay range for this role is $116,025- $163,800. The pay range for certain locations, including the state of New Jersey, include a 20% differential to account for an increased cost of living, making the pay range $139,230 - $196,560.
FirstEnergy Human Resources Team

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