Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Texas

A leading power systems engineering and field services organization is seeking Relay Technicians and Senior Relay Technicians to support utility substation testing, commissioning, and protection & controls projects.

This team is supporting major utility infrastructure and substation modernization projects driven by increasing power demand, grid reliability initiatives, and ongoing transmission and distribution system upgrades. These are long-term opportunities supporting critical electrical infrastructure projects throughout the region.

The Relay Technician will perform and support electrical testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, commissioning, and protection & control (P&C) activities within substations and power generation facilities. The role involves utilizing relay testing equipment and software to validate relay functionality, troubleshoot protection systems, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of power system assets.

• Lead site safety meetings and support hazard identification and mitigation efforts.
• Analyze and troubleshoot power system protection schemes.
• Install, commission, and test substation control circuits, relay panels, transformers, and circuit breakers.
• Perform end-to-end relay testing utilizing industry-standard testing equipment and software.
• Analyze relay event records and troubleshoot protection and control system issues.
• Test, calibrate, and commission electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays.
• Read and interpret protection & control schematics, wiring diagrams, and construction drawings.
• Serve as a technical resource on-site and interface directly with utility customers and project stakeholders.
• Train and mentor junior Relay Technicians and Engineers.

• Approximately 5 years of relay testing and protection & controls experience.
• Experience supporting testing and commissioning efforts under Senior technical supervision.
• Strong understanding of relay systems, substation equipment, and protection & control fundamentals.

• 5-7+ years of relay testing and protection & controls experience.
• Ability to independently perform testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities.
• Utility substation relay experience required.
• Proven ability to lead projects, support customers, and mentor junior team members.

• Protective Relay Testing & Commissioning experience.
• Protection & Controls (P&C) experience.
• Utility substation experience.
• Experience troubleshooting protective relay systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and P&C drawings.
• Hands-on experience with OMICRON, Doble, Megger, or similar relay testing equipment.
• Ability to travel regionally as needed.

• Experience supporting utility transmission and distribution projects.
• NETA Certification.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
• Experience with SEL, ABB, Siemens, and GE relays.
• Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems.
• Fiber optic communication experience.
• Previous utility client project experience.

• Protective Relay Testing & Commissioning
• Protection & Controls (P&C)
• Utility Substations
• Relay Troubleshooting
• Relay Commissioning
• Electrical Testing
• Power System Protection
• SCADA Systems
• OMICRON
• Doble
• SEL Relays
• Electrical Schematics & Drawings

Mid-Level to Senior-Level (5+ years of relevant relay and protection & controls experience)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.