1

Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,222 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

General Engineer

ComEd

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


ComEd rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are: We're powering a cleaner, brighter future.
Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.
We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).
We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive.
In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career.
Are you in? Primary Purpose:

General Engineer - RTA, Transmission & Substation Protection Analysis will provide operational analysis and support to multiple areas for transmission, distribution, and substation automatic operations and for system faults. Provide operational analysis for abnormal transmission, distribution, and substation and associated equipment conditions. Analyze protection system failures including providing root causes and feedback to design engineering as required. Provide a single point of contact to operations, field testing group, and other engineering and field personnel for analysis of risk and prioritizing work related to operating equipment with degraded protection systems. Support power quality and claims investigations. Position may be required to work extended hours, including coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties:
  • Provide fault location information on an immediate basis for all 69kV and above line automatic operations (trip and reclose or lockout), all critical 34kV line operations (eg airport lines), and 34kV line operations where load is down on an immediate basis. Fault location for trip and reclose of 34kV line operations is generally provided on the next business day.
  • Provide guidance to transmission and distribution operations, 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 protective relay performance. Provide recommendations and implements action plans to improve performance and cost effectiveness.
  • Provide system event information to support power quality investigations related to customer complaints. Provide system event information to support claims department investigations.
  • Utilize PI (SCADA Historian) to observe pre/post event system data and analyze events.
  • From relay target data and equipment operations, evaluate protection and equipment performance for the event. Generate Corrective Maintenance (CM's) Work Requests to address identified abnormalities and where extended conditions identify a systematic problem, programs will be created to resolve the identified condition.
  • Provide direction to Operations, T&S, and Asset Management areas based on the event analysis and areas to focus efforts.
  • Perform CAPE/CYME fault studies to determine/confirm fault location as well as validate system model. Utilize the FALLS lightning service to validate lightning strikes in proximity to equipment and event times.
  • From relay target data and equipment operations, evaluate protection and equipment performance for the event. Corrective Maintenance (CM's) Work Requests are generated to address identified abnormalities and where extended conditions identify a systematic problem; programs will be created to resolve the identified condition.
  • Participate in technical and industry societies and committees to enhance knowledge of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest.
Job Scope:
  • Influences project decisions having a moderate impact on the company that may include leading employees or contractors in the commissioning of electrical systems and equipment to be placed On System.
  • Applies technical knowledge to help promote a safe work environment and to enhance customer satisfaction.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Licensed Professional Engineer (2) (3)
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches and engineering theory
  • Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of complex field test equipment.
  • 4-7 years of professional engineering experience (1) (3) (See Note).
  • Broad knowledge and experience with regulations, guides, standards, codes methods, practices, and advanced engineering principles necessary to perform very complex or unique assignments for a specific
  • Minimum of two related career experiences (4) (i.e., changes in technical job responsibilities, which may or may not include a change in department) OR
  • Engineer in Training OR
  • 50% complete (by hours) with advanced technical degree, M.B.A. or Project Management Certification
  • (1) Master's degree in Engineering reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (2) License must be issued by the state in which you are practicing. (3) PE License reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (4) Career related experiences is defined as changes in technical job responsibilities and does not have to include a change in department Note: Items (1) and (3) are mutually inclusive, whereby the maximum experience requirement reduction is one(1) year (e.g., in the case of an employee with both a master's degree in Engineering AND a PE license, the minimum experience requirement would be reduced by one (1) year).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree (1) or Graduate level work in Engineering, Business Administration or Project Management Certification
  • Possess Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification and/or Professional Engineer license (2) (3)
  • Strong teamwork, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with all management levels.
  • Strong written and oral communication/presentation skills, report generation & technical writing skills.
  • A working knowledge of analysis software packages such as CYMDIST, PSS\E, Python, PLS-CAD, Pole Foreman, Power BI, or similar.
Benefits:
  • Annual salary will vary based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $92,000.00/Yr. – $126,500.00/Yr.
  • Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 15%
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
  • Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program
  • And much more

Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.

What ComEd employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ComEd logo

About ComEd

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ComEd began as the Western Edison Light Company, one of several companies owned by inventor and researcher Thomas Edison. In July 1892, another Edison employee moved to Chicago to run Edison's local company, Chicago Edison. Sam Insull had a sharp business mind and eagerly increased his knowledge of electricity. Through improved marketing and increased demand for electric lighting, Commonwealth Edison was born in September 1907. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd's service territory borders Iroquois County to the south (roughly Interstate 80), the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1907

Social media