Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in New Jersey

Description
Asplundh Engineering Services (AES) is growing-and we're looking for a Lead Electrical Engineer, with High Voltage, Utility Protection & Control experience, who is ready to shape the future of power infrastructure.
Join our talented Boonton team and play a key role in delivering innovative Protection & Control solutions that keep the grid safe, reliable, and resilient.
At AES, you'll be part of a collaborative engineering community within the Asplundh Infrastructure Group, working across the full lifecycle of critical utility projects-from concept and design, through construction and commissioning, all the way to maintaining in-service assets. Our work powers communities, supports major utilities, and drives the next generation of energy technology.
As a Lead Engineer, you'll lead or contribute to project teams to develop custom engineering solutions that directly support our customers' toughest challenges. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving industry and wants to make a visible impact through technical excellence and innovative thinking.
This position follows a hybrid work schedule and requires regular on-site presence at our Boonton, NJ office.
What You'll Do
In this role, you'll take on a variety of high-impact technical and leadership responsibilities that are essential to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative Protection & Control solutions. You'll work hands-on with complex systems, collaborate across disciplines, and help guide both projects and people to successful outcomes. Your work will include, but is not limited to:

• Developing and reviewing Protection & Control settings designs
• Performing coordination studies to ensure proper system protection
• Conducting short-circuit studies using detailed system models
• Performing event analysis to support system reliability and troubleshooting
• Creating and reviewing HMI (Human-Machine Interface) configurations
• Creating and reviewing RTU settings and design packages
• Designing and configuring the operating characteristics of managed switches and LAN networks
• Ensuring adherence to industry best practices and cybersecurity requirements
• Leading, planning, and coordinating engineering projects with minimal supervision
• Understanding, interpreting, and executing work based on client-specific standards and requirements
• Providing training, mentorship, and technical development for junior engineering staff
• Leading project teams and interfacing directly with customers to deliver high-quality results on schedule
• Providing field support, including troubleshooting, testing, and setup
• Serving as the Owner's Engineer (OE) by reviewing designs and supplying necessary information to support project completion

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who brings strong organizational and planning skills to every project. You excel in a collaborative, team-driven environment and naturally inspire others through your expertise and communication. You approach each task with precision and a commitment to quality, taking full ownership of your work and delivering results you're proud of. Attention to detail, accountability, and a passion for solving complex problems are key to success in this role.
Education & Experience
We're looking for a seasoned Protection & Control professional who brings deep technical expertise, proven industry experience, and a strong commitment to engineering excellence. The ideal candidate will have the following background and capabilities:

• 5-8 years of experience in relay/protection engineering or a related field
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology
• Proficiency with ASPEN, SKM, EasyPower, ETAP, or similar utility engineering software
• Hands-on programming experience with protection relays and substation equipment
• Strong understanding of engineering theory, practices, procedures, and NERC requirements
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) or EIT
• Experience with IEC 61850/GOOSE communication protocols (preferred)
• Background in power system protection, relay design and planning, or substation design and telecom integration
• Experience with substation relays and equipment such as SEL, GE, Beckwith, electromechanical relays, Ruggedcom switches, and Cimplicity HMIs

The salary for this position will vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and geographic location, and will be determined consistent with applicable pay equity and wage transparency laws.
Benefits for Eligible Employees*
At Asplundh Engineering Services, we invest in the well-being of our people. Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plan to help you secure your future
• Company-provided life insurance for added peace of mind
• Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
• A variety of voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
• Long-term disability coverage
• Pre-paid legal plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well-being
• Paid time off to recharge and refresh
• Paid holidays
• Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources

*Benefits listed above are available to eligible employees. Eligibility requirements and plan provisions apply.
About Us
Asplundh Engineering Services (AES) brings over 100 years of expertise to deliver top-notch engineering, design, planning, and testing services for transmission, distribution, substation, and renewable infrastructure markets across the U.S.
An Asplundh Company
As part of the Asplundh family, AES benefits from extensive resources and a century of experience. Together, we provide utilities with comprehensive end-to-end services, from design to construction, testing, and maintenance, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
Our Commitment
At AES, we believe in tackling challenges together with our customers, leveraging our collective experience and resources to achieve success in every project.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:

• All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
• Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.