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Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Tennessee

EPS

Relay Technician II

Nashville, TN · On-site

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

Nashville, TN · On-site

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

Nashville, TN · On-site

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

Nashville, TN · On-site

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 ...

EPB

Protection & Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

This position is responsible for performing system protection analysis and developing relay protection and control designs, as well as overseeing the installation, performing testing, and ...

EPB

Protection & Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

This position is responsible for performing system protection analysis and developing relay protection and control designs, as well as overseeing the installation, performing 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 Tennessee? For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs? Cities in Tennessee 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 Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Senior Protection Relay Engineer

Senior Protection Relay Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Nashville, TN • Hybrid

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

GIG South / Generation Industrial & Government

The Senior Protection Relay Engineer candidate should have experience with the utility, industrial, or power generation industries and be capable of leading teams for both small and large power generation design projects as well as acting in the owner’s engineer role. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in power generation and distribution, protective relaying systems, and power system studies. In addition, the candidate will be expected to mentor young engineers, support in managing client relationships, and lead technical proposal efforts in support of the project manager. A significant level of design and engineer of record work experience with power plant systems is required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years experience in protection relay system design, settings, and installation.
  • Design experience with coal, hydro, simple cycle and combined cycle power plants.
  • Previous experience with an engineering power consulting or EPC firm desired.
  • Experience with power systems analysis software like ETAP/SKM a plus.
  • Field installation and testing (using a Doble or similar) of relays a plus.
  • Candidate must have excellent communication, written and organizational skills.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work independently, as a lead on a multi-discipline consulting team, or as a lead on a small team are required.
  • Extensive knowledge of three-phase electrical power, relay protection and control design are desired. Should be familiar with SEL, Basler, Beckwith, etc.
  • Knowledge and application of NERC-PRC standards and other commonly utilized industry standards.
  • Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.
  • Direct the activities of other engineering professionals and act as a mentor to other staff members as needed.
  • Delegating, planning, prioritizing and reviewing the work of other engineers.
  • Position will include an expectation of less than 15% travel for on-site meetings with clients and vendors as well as project site visits to investigate site conditions or in support of proposal efforts.

Position Location

The selected candidate is ideally located, or willing to relocate to the following locations:

Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA; Hybrid/Remote eligibility dependent on candidate

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Notice to External Search Firms:Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.