ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL

EPS

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

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

Willowbrook, IL

$40 - $55/hr

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

Willowbrook, IL

$55 - $90/hr

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

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$55 - $90/hr

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 ...

GAI Consultants

Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and ... Assists on tasks such as: field activities, material testing, CADD work, permit applications, and ...

GAI Consultants

Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site

Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and ... Assists on tasks such as: field activities, material testing, CADD work, permit applications, and ...

ComEd

General Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

... field testing group, and others on system alarm conditions, degraded protection conditions, event analysis, etc. * Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and ...

ComEd

General Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

... field testing group, and others on system alarm conditions, degraded protection conditions, event analysis, etc. * Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and ...

ComEd

General Engineer

Villa Park, IL · On-site

... field testing group, and others on system alarm conditions, degraded protection conditions, event analysis, etc. * Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and ...

ComEd

General Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

... field testing group, and others on system alarm conditions, degraded protection conditions, event analysis, etc. * Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and ...

ABB

Data Center CoE Sr. Field Service Technician

IL

... IED Scout), and relay testing/configuration (Siemens, ABB REX640/SSC600/REF615/REG615, SEL ... Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProtection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$49

$136

How much do freelance protection relay testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance protection relay testing in Chicago, IL is $49.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $63.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the most commonly searched types of Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings:
Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs near you
Relay Technician II

Relay Technician II

EPS

Willowbrook, IL • On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview
Job Title: Relay Technician II
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

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is between $40.00 - $55.00 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Job Summary:
The Relay Technician II performs electrical testing, maintenance and troubleshooting relays in electrical power stations under minimal supervision. Your duties involve using relay test equipment and tools to test different types of relays inside the electrical substation.
Responsibilities
  • Leader in Safety Culture and responsible for other team members.
  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.
  • Develop written standard commissioning, testing and maintenance procedures for protective relaying.
  • Perform function testing of substation control circuits on relay panel, transformers & circuit breakers.
  • Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design.
  • Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze the operation of the relay based on the fault type run.
  • Examine relay settings and logic equations for confirmation of system operation in accordance with design.
  • Develop testing and isolation procedures for an outage.
  • Perform Communication Installations and Testing (SCADA, GOOSE, Modbus, Fiber, etc.)
  • Perform Circuit Analysis (Equipment Protective Relays, Instrumentation Transformers, AC, DC, & System)

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 good 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
  • NETA II 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
#PoweringTheFuture

Apply