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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Murfreesboro, TN

Lead Protection Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

The Lead Engineer performs relay setting calculations and coordination studies with full technical ... Design Review - Provide redline markups for protection and control drawings as necessary pertaining ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER Position Summary: Allied Fire Protection is seeking a Fire Protection ... Conduct field verifications and support QA/QC efforts * Participate in internal design reviews for ...

Senior Project Engineer

Mount Juliet, TN ยท Remote

$101K - $132K/yr

Senior Engineering Manager __ In this role, you will act as a design authority for an engineering ... Strong knowledge of power distribution systems, protection & control, and critical power ...

Senior Project Engineer

Antioch, TN ยท Remote

$101K - $132K/yr

Senior Engineering Manager __ In this role, you will act as a design authority for an engineering ... Strong knowledge of power distribution systems, protection & control, and critical power ...

Senior Project Engineer

TN ยท Remote

$101K - $132K/yr

Senior Engineering Manager __ In this role, you will act as a design authority for an engineering ... Strong knowledge of power distribution systems, protection & control, and critical power ...

Controls Systems Engineer

Old Hickory, TN ยท On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Provides control system theory and programming training to maintenance craft person, control system ... protected by applicable law. Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... of protection and control schemes and implementation * In-depth experience utilizing relay test ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... of protection and control schemes and implementation * In-depth experience utilizing relay test ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

See Murfreesboro, TN salary details

$13

$42

$116

How much do freelance relay protection control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection control engineer in Murfreesboro, TN is $42.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $54.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Murfreesboro, TN?

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

What cities near Murfreesboro, TN are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Murfreesboro, TN with the most Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings in Murfreesboro, TN 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, with an average salary of $87,568 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Lead Protection Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:
  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Lead Protection Engineer opportunity available in Nashville, TN. The Lead Engineer performs relay setting calculations and coordination studies with full technical autonomy, working independently and capable of directing the technical work of others on assigned projects. Event analysis is a Lead Engineer function; this role owns the majority of that work directly and coordinates support from other engineers as needed.
Within the group, the Lead Engineer serves as the primary technical resource within assigned projects, escalating issues to the Principal when warranted. The Lead Engineer is responsible for leading and performing technical work on projects as assigned by the PAC Engineering Manager. The Lead Engineer is also responsible for communicating proactively if a project schedule is unclear, unrealistic, or at risk, ensuring any concerns are communicated proactively.
Major Responsibilities This position requires the Lead Protection Engineer to provide relay settings, event analysis, system studies services, and engineering consulting services to electric utility companies. System scope encompasses Transmission, Generation, and Distribution systems. Responsibilities include:
  • Drawing Review - Evaluation of specification and engineering drawings to understand the purpose and functionality of substations, generation facilities, or distribution feeders.
  • Event Analysis - Provide comprehensive reporting on analysis findings and recommendations for mis-operation mitigation
  • Design Review - Provide redline markups for protection and control drawings as necessary pertaining to protection systems
  • Leadership of projects and direction of subordinate engineers assigned to such projects
  • Performance of compliance related work as assigned by principal engineer
  • Development and continuous preservation of strong working relationships with customers by demonstrating an awareness of customer needs, preferences, timeliness, and financial obligations of clients
  • Management of resources and capabilities required to deliver protection, automation, and control (PAC) engineering services
  • Demonstrating a safety consciousness mindset in unique situations encountered at diverse work sites
  • Assisting in the development of estimates for client proposals

Ideal Candidate Qualifications
  • Knowledge of calculating settings for electromechanical, solid state, and microprocessor protection devices from industry platforms, including, but not limited to: GE, SEL, ALSTOM, SCHNEIDER, SIEMENS, Beckwith, Basler, Eaton, and ABB
  • Ability to write code for macros or scripts that aid in performing studies or calculating relay settings
  • Ability to understand AC and DC elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams, and one-line drawings for the purpose of understanding system operation and developing settings
  • Proficiency in developing standard settings templates and procedures
  • Organizational skills to maintain all project documentation including customer deliverables.
  • Technical leadership aptitude for projects and to guide lower-level engineers/technicians
  • Technical breadth to support commissioning projects for the Field Engineering Services Department
  • Motivation to attend PSRC and relevant protection conferences and seminars as schedule permits
  • 7+ years of experience with power system study software, which may include CAPE, CYME, ASPEN, ETAP, Synergy, and others
  • 5+ years of fault analysis, postmortem analysis, and/or mis-operation mitigation efforts

Job Requirements
Education A Bachelor's degree electrical engineering is required from an ABET accredited institution. Alternatively, 20+ years in a role directly interfacing with protective relaying, settings, logic, and studies may be acceptable.
Experience 7-10 years with capabilities in below areas preferred:
  • In-depth understanding of three-phase power systems
  • In-depth understanding of protection and control schemes, including implementation and study-level
  • In-depth experience setting and analyzing electromechanical, solid state, and microprocessor protection devices
  • In-depth experience with power quality measurements and analysis
  • Experience leading a team of protection engineers
  • Experience with study software and analysis of waveforms and sequence of event reports
  • Experience programming remote terminal units (RTUs) and other auxiliary interfacing equipment
  • Experience with SCADA and other energy management system (EMS) software
  • Experience with AutoCAD
  • Ability to travel up to 10-20%
  • Possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver's license

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, listening, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, pushing, and pulling, warm and cold temperature conditions, sun exposure, moisture, potential exposure to hazardous materials and electrical voltages.
Working Conditions Mostly an office position. However, should travel to a site be requested, on site environment could require work in various temperature conditions; in and/or around moisture, on slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces, and at heights; will require frequent standing, driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching; will have exposure to noise, vibrations and chemicals. May require irregular or extended hours, subject to being on call and travel for project completion.
*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical โ€ข Dental โ€ข Vision โ€ข Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D โ€ข Long Term Disability โ€ข Voluntary Short Term Disability โ€ข Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts โ€ข Health Savings Account โ€ข Paid Time Off (PTO) โ€ข Paid Holidays โ€ข Tuition Reimbursement โ€ข Referral Bonus Program โ€ข 401(k)/Profit Sharing โ€ข 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Will Preparation Resources โ€ข Worldwide Travel Assistance
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.