ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Glenview, IL

Judge Group, Inc.

Sr. Relay Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $100/hr

Perform testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems * Analyze relay protection schemes for transmission, distribution, industrial, and substation ...

EPS

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

The Relay Technician II is a mid-level role responsible for performing testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems with increasing independence. This position requires a ...

EPS

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

The Relay Technician II is a mid-level role responsible for performing testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems with increasing independence. This position requires a ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Willowbrook, IL · 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

Willowbrook, IL · 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

See Glenview, IL salary details

$14

$47

$130

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance protection relay testing in Glenview, IL is $47.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $60.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Glenview, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Glenview, IL are:

What cities near Glenview, IL are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs?

Cities near Glenview, IL with the most Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings:

Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs near you

Sr. Relay Technician

Judge Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems

  • Analyze relay protection schemes and relay operations for various power system applications

  • Lead field crews, develop commissioning procedures, and complete project documentation

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL Salary: Negotiable Description:
Senior Relay Technician
Location: Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA (Travel Required)
Job Type: Contract
Industry: Electrical Power Systems | Substations | AI Data Center Infrastructure
Rate is $50-100+ depending on experience level, Benefits: Medical, Dental and other benefits available to qualified individuals.
About the Opportunity
A rapidly growing organization supporting some of the nation's largest AI and data center infrastructure projects is seeking a Senior Relay Technician to join its Power Systems team.
This role is ideal for experienced professionals with expertise in protection & control systems, relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and substation operations. The Senior Relay Technician serves as a technical leader responsible for executing complex projects, mentoring junior team members, and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical power infrastructure.
As demand for AI and hyperscale data centers continues to grow, this team is investing aggressively in top talent and offers the opportunity to work on high-profile, mission-critical electrical infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
  • Perform testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems
  • Analyze relay protection schemes for transmission, distribution, industrial, and substation applications
  • Execute end-to-end relay testing and functional testing using automated test equipment
  • Read and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, and logic drawings
  • Troubleshoot relay operations, control systems, and communication systems
  • Conduct root cause analysis of relay trips, failures, and system disturbances
  • Analyze event reports and oscillography data
  • Develop commissioning procedures, energization plans, and outage sequences
  • Lead field crews and provide technical mentorship to junior technicians and engineers
  • Interface directly with customers, utilities, project teams, and stakeholders
  • Complete test reports, commissioning documentation, relay setting verification, and project deliverables
  • Ensure adherence to company safety standards and industry best practices
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in relay testing, commissioning, or protection & control systems
  • Experience working in substation, utility, transmission, distribution, or industrial power environments
  • Strong understanding of protective relay applications and power system fundamentals
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and protection logic diagrams
  • Experience troubleshooting electrical protection and control systems
  • Experience leading projects or directing field activities
  • Strong communication and customer-facing skills
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or similar relay platforms
  • Experience with Omicron, Doble, Megger, or other relay testing equipment
  • NETA Certification (Preferred)
  • AI Data Center, Mission Critical, or Hyperscale Infrastructure experience
  • Transmission and Distribution utility experience
  • Prior leadership or crew management experience

Please send resume and Linked IN to for immediate consideration
By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
Contact:
This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

Apply