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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Texas

Substation Senior Project Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the electrical engineering discipline, including substation design, high-voltage (HV) systems, medium-voltage (MV) systems, relay protection & control ...

... relay protection & control (P&C), SCADA integration, and power system studies are effectively applied across technical deliverables and utility infrastructure projects. Ensures all engineering ...

Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the electrical engineering discipline, including substation design, high-voltage (HV) systems, medium-voltage (MV) systems, relay protection & control ...

ABM Electrical Power Services is looking for Senior Relay Technicians to join our team in Irving ... design (including protection & control engineering); substation construction; substation ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$152K - $159K/yr

Apply relay protection principles and support relay settings development utilizing SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, and similar relay platforms. * Coordinate physical and protection & control engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Kimley-Horn's Houston, Texas (TX) office is seeking a Substation Protection and Control (P&C) Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation protection and control projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing protection packages, relay one-line and three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, communications diagrams, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with cross discipline teams. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in utility protection and control standards, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation protection and control design for utility and renewable energy projects.
  • Develop protection packages for transmission and distribution substations.
  • Prepare AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay panel layouts, and interconnection drawings.
  • Develop relay one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and logic diagrams.
  • Design station service AC and DC systems associated with protection and control equipment.
  • Perform quality control reviews on protection and control design projects.
  • Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
  • Create and review bills of materials for relay panels, control cabinets, communications equipment, and P&C systems.
  • Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation P&C projects.
  • Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to protection and control design.
  • Support commissioning activities, relay testing, troubleshooting, and energization planning.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.
  • Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the Power Delivery team.

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCADE, MicroStation and Bluebeam.

Why Kimley-Horn?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967