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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Schaumburg, IL

Judge Group, Inc.

Sr. Relay Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $100/hr

This role is ideal for experienced professionals with expertise in protection & control systems ... Lead field crews and provide technical mentorship to junior technicians and engineers * Interface ...

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All JobsRelay Protection Control Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Control Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs in Schaumburg, IL

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

See Schaumburg, IL salary details

$14

$46

$129

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection control engineer in Schaumburg, IL is $46.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.85 and $60.67 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 Schaumburg, IL?

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

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

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

What cities near Schaumburg, IL are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Schaumburg, IL with the most Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings:

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs near you

Sr. Relay Technician

Judge Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL Salary: Negotiable Description:
Senior Relay Technician
Location: Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA (Travel Required)
Job Type: Contract
Industry: Electrical Power Systems | Substations | AI Data Center Infrastructure
Rate is $50-100+ depending on experience level, Benefits: Medical, Dental and other benefits available to qualified individuals.
About the Opportunity
A rapidly growing organization supporting some of the nation's largest AI and data center infrastructure projects is seeking a Senior Relay Technician to join its Power Systems team.
This role is ideal for experienced professionals with expertise in protection & control systems, relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and substation operations. The Senior Relay Technician serves as a technical leader responsible for executing complex projects, mentoring junior team members, and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical power infrastructure.
As demand for AI and hyperscale data centers continues to grow, this team is investing aggressively in top talent and offers the opportunity to work on high-profile, mission-critical electrical infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
  • Perform testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems
  • Analyze relay protection schemes for transmission, distribution, industrial, and substation applications
  • Execute end-to-end relay testing and functional testing using automated test equipment
  • Read and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, and logic drawings
  • Troubleshoot relay operations, control systems, and communication systems
  • Conduct root cause analysis of relay trips, failures, and system disturbances
  • Analyze event reports and oscillography data
  • Develop commissioning procedures, energization plans, and outage sequences
  • Lead field crews and provide technical mentorship to junior technicians and engineers
  • Interface directly with customers, utilities, project teams, and stakeholders
  • Complete test reports, commissioning documentation, relay setting verification, and project deliverables
  • Ensure adherence to company safety standards and industry best practices
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in relay testing, commissioning, or protection & control systems
  • Experience working in substation, utility, transmission, distribution, or industrial power environments
  • Strong understanding of protective relay applications and power system fundamentals
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and protection logic diagrams
  • Experience troubleshooting electrical protection and control systems
  • Experience leading projects or directing field activities
  • Strong communication and customer-facing skills
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with SEL, GE Multilin, ABB, Siemens, or similar relay platforms
  • Experience with Omicron, Doble, Megger, or other relay testing equipment
  • NETA Certification (Preferred)
  • AI Data Center, Mission Critical, or Hyperscale Infrastructure experience
  • Transmission and Distribution utility experience
  • Prior leadership or crew management experience

Please send resume and Linked IN to for immediate consideration
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This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

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