ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

SEL Engineering Services, Inc.

Designer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$32 - $37/hr

Experience testing and commissioning protective relay, process control and SCADA control systems * Electrical utility, consulting or system integrator experience * Application knowledge of protective ...

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Designer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$32 - $37/hr

Experience testing and commissioning protective relay, process control and SCADA control systems * Electrical utility, consulting or system integrator experience * Application knowledge of protective ...

Atwell, LLC

Field Technician - Substations

Phoenix, AZ

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Performs equipment, control system, communications, troubleshooting, relay testing, start-up, and ... Programs, wires, and installs protective relaying and control systems * Programs, installs, and ...

Maverick Power

Electrical Test Technician

Phoenix, AZ

$20.50 - $28/hr

Familiarity with protective relay brands (SEL, ABB, Schneider, Siemens etc.) and microprocessor-based relays. * Experience with factory pre-shipment commissioning, QA/QC, or manufacturing testing.

APS

System Protection Engineer III/Senior

Phoenix, AZ

$103K - $142K/yr

... relay settings across the system to ensure adequate coordination and protection. 6) Provide support to field personnel during testing and commissioning of protection schemes. 7) Provide support to ...

Sargent & Lundy

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$101K - $134K/yr

Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ... Testing or commissioning experience. AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy In this role, we expect ...

Sargent & Lundy

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$101K - $134K/yr

Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ... Testing or commissioning experience. In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsProtection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing JobsFreelance Protection Relay Testing Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Freelance Protection Relay Testing information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$14

$47

$131

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance protection relay testing in Phoenix, AZ is $47.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $61.35 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings in Phoenix, AZ 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 $98,527 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Designer I

SEL Engineering Services, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$32 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Electrical Designer to support the design and development of Electrical Relay Protection and control systems. As a Designer in Engineering Services, you'll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide. In this role, you will collaborate with technical leads to produce high-quality engineering designs, CAD drawings, and project documentation while contributing to innovative power system solutions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • CAD design and drafting tasks using either MicroStation or AutoCAD software suites
  • Analyze technical specifications; create detailed physical and electrical designs, bill of materials, and job estimates.
  • Prepare oneline diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts for protection, control and automation equipment.
  • Review vendor drawings and integrate equipment into design packages.
  • Collaborate with engineers, Tech leads, project managers, and field teams to support project execution.
  • Provide design support during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and ensure quality control throughout the design process.
  • Complete assigned work and submit within timelines and budgets with a high level of quality.
  • Develop and maintain an acceptable level of expertise in SEL and industry design practices.
  • Develop and maintain an acceptable level of knowledge of SEL equipment and solutions for electric power system protection and automation.
  • Use best available processes and tools and provide feedback on process enhancements.
  • Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
  • Understand. Create. Simplify.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Three plus years of relevant experience with electrical design, including several projects in protective relay protection and controls systems
  • Ability to learn concepts and technical details of products
  • Ability to work with a moderate level of technical supervision, accepting ownership of assigned responsibilities
  • Demonstrated competency in CAD drafting (AUTOCAD or Microstation)
  • Acceptable understanding of the installation requirements for protective relays of different type and function
  • Willing to travel as needed
  • Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
  • Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
  • Background check results satisfactory to SEL
  • Negative drug test result(s)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience testing and commissioning protective relay, process control and SCADA control systems
  • Electrical utility, consulting or system integrator experience
  • Application knowledge of protective relay applications and/or automation applications

Physical Requirements
  • None.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

The pay range for this position is typically $32-37/hour depending on experience.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [email protected] .
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

Apply