ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs

FindTalent

Lead Protection & Control Engineer

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

This role will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of protective relay systems for ... Lead and oversee protection and control engineering for substation and transmission projects.

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Houston, TX

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Atlanta, GA

Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification. * Support ... protection and control engineering for power systems. * Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA ...

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Role: Protection and Control Engineer Location: San Ramon, CA (Onsite) Experience: 9-15 years Job ... SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs

Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

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

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection control engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Substation Protection & Control Engineer

Substation Protection & Control Engineer

Software Guidance & Assistance

Tampa, FL • On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for a Senior Protection & Control Engineer for a direct placement/FTE position with one of our premier utility services clients in Tampa, FL.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide engineering and operational support for substation protection and control systems, including relay settings consultation and guidance related to distribution substation protection.
  • Consult with Electric Delivery's System Security Department to establish protection requirements, operating philosophy, and develop relay protection and control schemes consistent with system requirements. (15%)
  • Represent and coordinate Substation Engineering projects within Electric Delivery's Project Management process. (15%)
  • Investigate and evaluate protection and control devices and provide input into the selection and procurement of materials. Follow up on equipment delivery, ensure proper project charging, and review manufacturer drawings for accuracy. (15%)
  • Provide engineering support to operating departments during equipment checkouts, on-call rotations, and other operational activities as required. Interpret engineering designs during construction phases and collaborate with operating personnel to incorporate lessons learned and improve future designs. (15%)
  • Develop protection and control drawing packages for assigned projects, including preliminary drawings, layouts, installation drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of material, nameplate schedules, and cable schedules. Prepare and submit work orders and associated documentation to operating departments. Support Protection & Control crews during project execution and reconcile records and drawings upon project completion. Responsibilities also include writing operating and switching instructions. (40%)
Relationships:
  • Key Internal Relationships: Collaborate with all Electric Delivery departments, including Substation Operations, System Security, Project Management, Accounting, Purchasing, Planning, and Energy Supply.
  • Key External Relationships: Maintain regular interaction with utility industry personnel, vendors, and professional organizations such as IEEE PES PSRC and IEEE Substations Committee, as budgets permit.
Supervision:
  • Direct Supervision: None
  • Indirect Supervision: May provide guidance, training, and consultation to other P&C engineers regarding substation relaying schemes and protection calculations.
Required Qualifications:
  • Senior Engineer: Minimum of 8 years of related experience and eligibility to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Florida.
  • Principal Engineer: Minimum of 12 years of related experience and current Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required. *Engineering Technology degree from an ABET-accredited program will also be considered.
  • Must be eligible to obtain an FE certification in the State of Florida and obtain certification within the first two years of employment.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in power systems engineering and operations.
  • Must possess a strong understanding of, or demonstrated ability to learn, protection and control systems, including the ability to interpret substation and manufacturer drawings and independently evaluate and modify system designs.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Florida.
  • Experience conducting, coordinating, and supervising complex engineering studies and technical reports.
  • Ability to assist with training, orientation, work assignments, and mentorship of engineering staff.
  • Experience with relay protection systems, substation protection and control schemes, and utility operations strongly preferred.
Leadership Competencies:
Speaks Up on Safety, Health, and the Environment
Takes Ownership and Acts with Integrity
Drives Operational Excellence for Customers
Builds Strong, Collaborative Relationships
Develops People and Teams
Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change
Thinks Strategically and Exercises Sound Judgment
Working Conditions:
  • Most work is performed in an office environment; however, field work within substations and equipment yards may be required to gather data, support crews, and assist with operational activities. Some overtime and weekend work may be required. Rotational on-call duties are required for one week at a time.
  • Employees must support major storm restoration efforts by conducting field assessments of substations and identifying required repairs.
Physical Requirements:
  • Working within substations requires walking on uneven surfaces, including granite rock, limestone roadways, and grassy areas.
#LI-SS1
SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .
SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.

Apply