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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Virginia

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Winchester, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ...

Actalent

Relay Technician

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Work with protection and control drawings, wiring diagrams, one-line diagrams, relay schematics ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

Actalent

Relay Technician

Ashburn, VA

Work with protection and control drawings, wiring diagrams, one-line diagrams, relay schematics ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2 (Onsite)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ...

Rosendin

Electrical Substation Designer

Sterling, VA

... control schematics, and civil/structural details. Working under the guidance of Project Manager ... engineers to complete drawing packages. * Single line, relay protection diagrams, 3 wiring design ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries ... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries ... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

... and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries ... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Manassas, VA · On-site

$72K - $89K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Winchester, VA · On-site

$65K - $81K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68K - $84K/yr

... and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced ... control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Control Engineer 2

M.C. Dean, Inc

Winchester, VA • On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems.?They're?technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to solve our customer's most complex needs.
Responsibilities
Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.

o Narrative Design Documents
o Requirements Analysis
o Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens/ Hardware / Communications)
o Preparation of Specifications
o Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
o Plans and Designs Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
o Internal/External Comment Resolution
  • Programming

o Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
o Program / Configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning

o Author testing / commissioning procedures
o Preparation of test reports
o Originates test procedures
o Commissioning of deployed systems
o Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
o Perform Factory and Field Testing
  • Maintenance

o Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.
Managerial Responsibilities
  • Estimates

o Conducts any surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required.
o Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
o Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
o Evaluation and pricing of change orders
  • Personnel Management

o Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers
o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff
Qualifications
Field Experience
  • Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans
  • Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration
  • Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems
  • Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools
  • Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software

Tools / Software
  • Experience in computer networks
  • Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN)
  • Standard Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Requirements
  • Attend regular in-person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.
  • Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 of the following platforms:

o Siemens (SIMATIC)
o Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) (Plant Pax preferred)
o Schneider Electric (Modicon)
o Tridium Niagara Framework
o ABB (AC500, AC800M)
o Omron
o KMC Controls
o Johnson Controls Metasys
o Honeywell WEBS
o Johnson Control FX
o Siemens Desigo/Apogee
o Distech Controls
o Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
o GE Intelligent Platforms
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least 1 of the following platforms:

o AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) InTouch, System Platform
o Ignition by Inductive Automation
o GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY)
o Siemens WinCC
o Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View
o AVEVA (formerly Schneider Electric) Citect SCADA
o Intellution FIX32/HMI32 (Historical) by GE Digital
o VTScada by Trihedral Engineering Limited
o AVEVA (OSIsoft PI) Historian
Preferred Licenses / Certifications
  • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
  • Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) In relevant in field
  • Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform, such as: Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, Niagara, etc.
  • Certification in one or more SCADA platform, such as: AVEVA, Rockwell, Iconics, Ignition, etc.
  • Possess driver's license and vehicle for transportation to customer sites. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy

Education / Experience
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field 0+ years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of experience

Abilities
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $81,600.00 - USD $102,000.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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