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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineering, you will coordinate with Substation Physical Engineering, Relay Settings, and other groups to ensure design concurrence. * Development of complete engineering ...

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

As a Protection & Control Engineering, you will coordinate with Substation Physical Engineering, Relay Settings, and other groups to ensure design concurrence. * Development of complete engineering ...

Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers. * Execute element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems. * Perform and ...

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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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lead Engineer - Substation Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN • On-site, Remote


Qualus
501 - 1,000 employees

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$93K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

Power your Future with Qualus as a Lead Protection & Control Engineer. As a Lead Substation P&C Engineer, you'll serve as the technical subject matter expert, leading the design of high-voltage substations that power communities and critical infrastructure. You'll develop innovative, code-compliant engineering solutions, mentor junior engineers, and help drive technical excellence across complex utility projects. Working closely with clients and across cross-functional teams, you'll influence project success from concept through construction while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, developing others, and making a lasting impact on the future of the electric grid. 

Responsibilities
  • Design substation protection and control systems utilizing applicable codes and client standards (if available). Typical design to include one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, logic diagrams, functional diagrams, panel layouts, wiring and connection diagrams, interconnection diagrams, communications systems, bill of materials, and SCADA systems.
  • Develop protective relaying and control system designs for transmission and distribution substations.
  • Develop relay protection schemes, relay settings criteria, control philosophies, and associated engineering calculations.
  • Create equipment and material specifications for procurement of engineered equipment, as well as development of design scope and cost estimates.
  • Complete conceptual protection and control designs and layouts for new and existing substation facilities.
  • Prepare additional support documentation as needed to assist procurement, construction, commissioning, and operation/maintenance of systems being designed.
  • Direct and/or participate in client meetings/job site visits to collect or deliver design and engineering data.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, vendors, and contractors to ensure successful project execution and resolution of technical issues.
  • Lead and participate in client meetings and job site visits to collect design data, present engineering solutions, resolve technical issues, and support project execution.
  • Lead and ensure compliance with the company's Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes, including technical review and approval of engineering design packages.
  • Provide technical mentorship and oversight to junior engineers and designers, including reviewing calculations, drawings, and specifications to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or a related engineering discipline) from an ABET accredited institution.
  • 10+ years of experience in Substation physical design engineering.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 
  • Excellent document management and organization skills. 
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact professionally with clients and stakeholders.

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Benefits & Compensation

Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME


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