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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer Jobs

Hitachi

Protection & Control Engineer

Raleigh, NC

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

AtkinsRéalis

Protection & Control Engineer

Orange, CT · On-site

The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Engineering Manager, NE Operations and requires ... relay one-line diagrams, three lines, schematics and elementaries, control house panel layouts ...

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 ...

Entergy

Protection & Control Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Provides protection and control design engineering services for transmission and distribution ... Preparing relay operational one-line drawings * Validating estimating prices and equipment units ...

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Freelance Relay Protection Control Engineer information

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$47

$132

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

As of Jul 6, 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.
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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 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Protection & Control Engineer

Protection & Control Engineer

Hitachi

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Location:

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job ID:

R0128300

Date Posted:

2026-05-01

Company Name:

HITACHI ENERGY USA INC

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

At Hitachi Energy, we are driving the future of power systems through innovation and sustainability. As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will design and implement advanced protection and control systems that keep the grid safe, reliable, and ready for the energy transition. This role places you at the heart of projects that modernize substations, integrate renewable energy, and enhance automation across transmission and distribution networks. You'll collaborate with project managers, customers, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that meet stringent standards and exceed expectations. If you are passionate about cutting-edge technology, thrive in dynamic environments, and want to make a tangible impact on the global energy landscape, this is your opportunity to join a team that is shaping the future of power.

How You'll Make an Impact

  • Design and develop protection and control schemes for substations and power systems.
  • Prepare engineering documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, and relay settings.
  • Review and validate vendor equipment specifications and technical documentation.
  • Coordinate technical activities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Perform relay testing, SCADA integration, and communication protocol verification.
  • Support project managers with technical input for proposals and risk assessments.
  • Collaborate with customers to optimize system performance and resolve design issues.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.

Your Background

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in protection and control engineering for power systems.
  • Knowledge of protective relays, SCADA systems, and communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, GOOSE).
  • Familiarity with substation automation and high-voltage equipment.
  • Experience with engineering tools and test equipment (DOBLE, OMICRON).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.

More About Us

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us, in work and out.

For this role, depending on grade and experience, we offer the following employee benefits (subject to the respective plan rules):

  • Health Care (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
  • Financial Wellbeing: Employer-sponsored pension - 401(k) Program with generous company match and contribution, Life/AD&D Insurance, disability insurance
  • Family Care: Life and Family (Legal, pet, auto, home, identity theft, etc.), special needs support, and adoption assistance
  • Work-Life: Enhanced leave programs (FMLA, Military Service Leave, Maternal, Paternal, adoption, vacation, and holiday)
  • Employee Engagement and Development: Employee Resource Groups (depending on location), tuition reimbursement program, on-demand learning platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.
Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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