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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Substation Engineer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$78 - $82/hr

This role supports relay protection and control engineering, including detailed design for substation projects of varying size, complexity, and voltage class. Responsibilities * Conceptual designs ...

Substation Engineer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

This role supports relay protection and control engineering, including detailed design for substation projects of varying size, complexity, and voltage class. Responsibilities * Conceptual designs ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

What does a freelance relay protection control engineer do?

A Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer specializes in designing, testing, and maintaining protection and control systems for electrical power networks. Their work ensures the reliability and safety of power systems by detecting faults and automatically isolating affected sections. As freelancers, they provide these services on a project basis to utilities, industrial clients, or engineering firms. This role often includes tasks such as relay settings calculations, system modeling, and troubleshooting relay malfunctions, either remotely or on-site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance relay protection control engineer?

To excel as a Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, expertise in power system protection, and experience with relay coordination and system analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard protective relay software (such as SEL, ABB, or GE relays), CAD tools, and relevant certifications like NETA or IEEE are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you manage independent projects and collaborate with clients. These competencies ensure safe, reliable power system operation and successful project delivery in a technically demanding field.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance relay protection control engineers when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineers often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can present challenges such as managing varying technical standards, coordinating schedules, and ensuring clear communication across different teams. Each client may use different relay platforms or require unique protection schemes, so adaptability and strong organizational skills are crucial. Additionally, freelancers must be proactive in clarifying project scopes and deadlines to avoid misunderstandings and ensure successful project delivery. Building strong relationships and maintaining transparent communication with clients can help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer vs Substation Automation Engineer?

AspectFreelance Relay Protection Control EngineerSubstation Automation Engineer
CredentialsRelevant electrical engineering certifications, relay protection trainingElectrical engineering degree, automation system certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, on-site at substations or remotelyDesign, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems in substations
Industry UsagePower utilities, electrical contractors, consulting firmsPower utilities, automation solution providers
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles in protection schemes and control systemsRelated to automation and control system integration

The Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer focuses on designing, testing, and implementing relay protection schemes, often working independently or on contract. In contrast, a Substation Automation Engineer specializes in integrating automation systems within substations to enhance operational efficiency. While both roles require electrical expertise and work within the power industry, their focus areas differ: protection vs. automation systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings:

Sr. Relay Technician

Electric Power Systems

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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, troubleshoot protection, control, and communication systems, and lead root cause analysis investigations.

  • Develop project execution plans, coordinate resources and field activities, and provide technical leadership and mentorship to field personnel.


Job description

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.


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.

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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