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Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Tennessee

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/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 ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN

$99K - $130K/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 ...

Senior Field Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$65 - $80/hr

... relay calibration, testing and repairing substation relaying and control schemes * Experience is desirable in any of the following related areas: substation design (including protection & control ...

... relay calibration, testing and repairing substation relaying and control schemes * Experience is desirable in any of the following related areas: substation design (including protection & control ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท Hybrid

$93K - $122K/yr

Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ... Testing or commissioning experience. AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy In this role, we expect ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท Hybrid

$93K - $122K/yr

Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ... Testing or commissioning experience. In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead ...

Lead EHV Engineer 2 - Grid

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$134K - $205K/yr

Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ... Testing or commissioning experience. AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy In this role, we expect ...

Electrical Commissioning Lead

Memphis, TN

$155K - $162K/yr

Direct point-to-point verification, functional testing, relay calibration, protective device coordination, system integration, and integrated systems testing (IST). * Oversee troubleshooting 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 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:
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.

Protection Engineering Specialist II

Mesa Accosiates

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

GIG General / Generation Industrial and Government
This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.
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Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on generation station protective relaying. Position will be responsible for the design and engineering for generation station relay replacements/retrofits and new installations. PE not required, but preferred.
Desired experience includes:
  • Proficiency in relay settings and calculations for generator, transformer, motor, feeder, and bus protection schemes with a focus on SEL, Beckwith and GE relays.
  • Familiar with SEL, Beckwith and GE relay manufacturer software
  • Designing and reviewing drawings, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics and wiring diagrams.
  • Perform protective device coordination from 480V to 500kV relays
  • Perform NERC PRC evaluations and reviews (E.g., PRC-025, PRC-019)
  • ETAP/SKM or other system analysis software knowledge.
  • Field Testing and Commissioning is a plus (Relay testing, function trip path testing, troubleshooting, etc.)
  • Writing test and checkout procedures.
  • Specifying equipment such as protective relays, test switches, aux relays, CT/PTs, etc.
  • Familiar with IEEE standards

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