ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Qualus

Relay Testing Professional

Philadelphia, PA · On-site +1

... engineers. This role is responsible for the commissioning and testing of protection & control ... relay", meter, Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), Digital Fault Recorder/Transient Recorder (DFR), or ...

Qualus

Relay Testing Professional

Philadelphia, PA · On-site +1

... engineers. This role is responsible for the commissioning and testing of protection & control ... relay", meter, Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), Digital Fault Recorder/Transient Recorder (DFR), or ...

SNC-Lavalin

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Exton, PA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Overview We are seeking a Senior Engineer - Protection & Control to join our team in the Boston, MA ... Experience with relay settings is a plus. * Knowledge of modern power systems, power system ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRelay Protection Control Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Control Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$15

$48

$133

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection control engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $48.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $62.36 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 the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,132 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Sr Protection and Control Field Engineer

Powerserve Technologies Inc

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee Protection & Control field activities on utility substation projects.

  • Coordinate and direct P&C Engineers, Technicians, and subcontractors during commissioning and testing activities.

  • Perform and/or supervise relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and energization support.

Job description

Senior Protection & Control Engineer (Resident) - New England areaLocation:

Northeastern United States (Preference given to candidates residing in New England)

Pay:Depends on Skills & Experience - when submitting your resume, please indicate your hourly (or salary) requirements and allow us to meet your requirements.Schedule:

4 x 10-Hour Workweek (Monday - Thursday)

Overtime opportunities may be available as approved and/or requested by our clients to support project schedules and outage requirements.

Benefits:
  • Company Vehicle Provided
  • Per Diem
  • Paid Hotel Accommodations (when applicable)
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Work with some of the nation's leading electric utilities and power delivery clients
About the Opportunity

Powerserve Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Protection & Control Engineer (Resident) to support and lead highly technical Protection & Control field activities on utility substation projects throughout the Northeastern United States.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced P&C professional who enjoys working in the field, leading technical teams, interfacing directly with utility clients, and helping build a regional Protection & Control organization from the ground up.

The ideal candidate will reside in the New England region and possess a strong background in substation commissioning, relay testing, troubleshooting, protection systems, and field execution. This individual will play a key role in supporting major utility infrastructure projects while helping recruit, mentor, and develop future P&C Engineers and Technicians as our presence in the region continues to expand.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee Protection & Control field activities on utility substation projects.
  • Coordinate and direct P&C Engineers, Technicians, and subcontractors during commissioning and testing activities.
  • Perform and/or supervise relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and energization support.
  • Interpret and review protection and control drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and construction packages.
  • Perform point-to-point checks, functional testing, and system validation activities.
  • Troubleshoot protection, control, communications, and SCADA systems.
  • Support outage planning, switching coordination, and project execution activities.
  • Serve as a primary technical interface with utility clients, project managers, engineers, and construction teams.
  • Ensure compliance with client specifications, industry standards, company procedures, and safety requirements.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to junior engineers and technicians.
  • Assist in developing and growing a highly skilled regional Protection & Control team.
  • Support project planning, scheduling, manpower forecasting, and resource allocation activities.
  • Prepare technical reports, commissioning documentation, and project closeout packages.
QualificationsRequired:
  • Minimum 7+ years of Protection & Control experience within the electric utility industry.
  • Strong knowledge of utility substation protection and control systems.
  • Experience performing relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex electrical drawings and protection schematics.
  • Experience leading field teams on utility substation projects.
  • Strong communication and client-facing skills.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Northeastern United States as required.
Preferred:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License.
  • NETA Certification.
  • Experience with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Schweitzer, Beckwith, or similar relay platforms.
  • Experience supporting transmission and distribution substations.
  • Previous experience managing crews and mentoring technical personnel.
  • Existing relationships within the utility or power delivery industry.
Why Join Powerserve?

At Powerserve Technologies, we are committed to building a team of highly skilled professionals who take pride in delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality solutions for our utility clients. This role offers the opportunity to become a key leader within our growing organization and help shape the future of our Protection & Control services throughout the Northeastern United States.

If you're looking for a long-term opportunity where your technical expertise, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge can make a lasting impact, we'd like to speak with you.