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Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Virginia

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Salem, VA · On-site

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role ...

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

Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

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 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 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 Virginia?

For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs?

Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Relay Technician

Norfolk, VA • On-site

EPS
See more jobs at EPSexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and functional testing of substation control circuits on relay panels, transformer change-outs, and circuit breaker replacements.

  • Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components, including transmission, distribution, and industrial systems.

  • Lead root cause analysis investigations for relay trips, failures, and system disturbances.

Job description

Overview
Job Title: Sr. Relay Technician
About The Company:
Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization specializing in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Perks:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Talent Development - Instructor-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
  • Career Path Planning
  • Incentives for Professional Certifications
  • Competitive Per Diem for Travel
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Position Summary:
The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems, responsible for advanced testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project execution. This role requires deep expertise in analyzing protection schemes, managing complex projects, and leading field teams while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substation and industrial (C&I) systems. The position also emphasizes customer interaction, team development, and technical leadership.
Responsibilities
Safety Leadership
  • Lead job site safety briefings, proactively identifying, eliminating, or mitigating hazards.
  • Enforce company safety policies and champion a strong safety culture across all field activities.
  • Utilize Human Performance Error Reduction (HPE) tools to improve reliability and reduce risk.

Technical Expertise & Execution
  • Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components, including transmission, distribution, and industrial systems.
  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and functional testing of substation control circuits on relay panels, transformer change-outs, and circuit breaker replacements.
  • Execute advanced end-to-end and functional testing using automated relay test equipment and software.
  • Read, interpret, and validate protection and control schematics, logic diagrams, and system configurations.
  • Ensure proper calibration and performance of electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays.

Troubleshooting & Analysis
  • Perform complex troubleshooting of protection, control, and communication systems across a wide range of applications.
  • Analyze event records, oscillography, and system data to make informed deductions and determine system performance or misoperations.
  • Lead root cause analysis investigations for relay trips, failures, and system disturbances.

Project Leadership & Planning
  • Develop project execution plans, commissioning procedures, outage sequences, and energization plans.
  • Project manage large-scale and complex commissioning, retrofit, and maintenance projects.
  • Coordinate resources, schedules, and field activities to ensure successful project completion.

Reporting & Deliverables
  • Develop, review, and finalize comprehensive reports, including test results, relay settings verification, and system performance.
  • Ensure completion of all project deliverables, including as-built drawings, relay settings validation, and commissioning documentation.
  • Ensure all documentation meets customer and industry standards.

Team Development & Customer Interface
  • Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, and junior engineers in protection and control practices.
  • Provide mentorship and technical leadership to field personnel.
  • Interface directly with customers, utilities, and project stakeholders to communicate status, resolve issues, and meet expectations.

Qualifications
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
  • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a safe driving record.
  • Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations.
  • Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits.
  • Knowledge of relay test software.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience installing, maintaining, testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical/Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred
  • 5+ Years of Relevant Industry Experience
  • NETA III/IV Certified, preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs.

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, age or any other characteristics protected by state or federal laws.
EPS does not work with individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies, and will not recognize claim to any unsolicited resumes or candidate information.
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