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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

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$14

$47

$132

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

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection 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 are some common challenges faced by Freelance Relay Protection Engineers when working with multiple clients or utilities?

Freelance Relay Protection Engineers often work with diverse clients, each with unique equipment, standards, and expectations. One common challenge is quickly adapting to different protection schemes and relay technologies used by various utilities or industrial facilities. Additionally, freelancers must efficiently manage their time and communication across multiple projects to meet deadlines and maintain quality. Building strong relationships and staying updated on industry standards are essential for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring client satisfaction.

What does a Freelance Relay Protection Engineer do?

A Freelance Relay Protection Engineer is a specialist who designs, tests, and maintains systems that protect electrical power systems from faults by ensuring relays and protection schemes operate correctly. They work independently or on a contract basis for utilities, industrial clients, or engineering firms, often performing studies, field testing, and commissioning of protective relays and associated equipment. Their responsibilities often include analyzing system data, troubleshooting protection issues, and helping to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical grids.

What is the difference between Freelance Relay Protection Engineer vs Substation Protection Engineer?

AspectFreelance Relay Protection EngineerSubstation Protection Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications in relay protection, electrical engineeringSimilar certifications, often with additional substation-specific training
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or on-site at various locationsTypically on-site at substations, working within utility or power companies
Employer & IndustryFreelance/contract basis, consulting firms, power utilitiesPower utilities, electrical engineering firms, substation operators

Freelance Relay Protection Engineers and Substation Protection Engineers share similar technical skills and certifications. However, freelance engineers work independently on various projects, often remotely, while substation protection engineers are employed directly by utilities or companies working on-site at substations. Both roles focus on relay protection systems but differ mainly in employment type and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Relay Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

A Freelance Relay Protection Engineer requires strong knowledge of power system protection principles, relay coordination, and a relevant electrical engineering degree. Expertise in industry-standard software (like ETAP, SEL acSELerator, or PSCAD), as well as familiarity with protective relay hardware and applicable standards (such as IEEE or IEC), is typically necessary. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help in managing projects independently and collaborating with clients or utilities. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, reliable project delivery, and compliance with critical safety and operational standards.
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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Electrical Engineer, Protective Relays - HV Utility and Renewables

Electrical Engineer, Protective Relays - HV Utility and Renewables

ThinkBAC Consulting

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

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\n Mid\-Senior Electrical Relay Engineer,  Protection and Control Systems \- Utility & Renewables<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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A developer and operator of high voltage transmission renewable energy systems is looking to grow its Engineering Operations Team with the addition of a Mid to Senior Level Transmission P&C Engineer. The role is based in Austin, TX (relocation assistance available) <\/u>and will support all their projects across the state.They have a hybrid work schedule (3 days in\-office a week).<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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This role will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all things P&C including the implementation and maintenance of transmission\/substation protection, control, and substation automation engineering initiatives in accordance with NERC standards. It will work cross functionally with the Transmission Planning Engineering, EPC, and Operations Teams.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/b>They organization have a flat structure which gives their employees direct access to executive management and the ability to gain a diverse amount of experience on various projects.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The scope of their operations includes transmission (t\-line), substation, regional control centers, and distribution systems with interconnects to both utility\-scale solar and wind assets.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n They offer a competitive compensation package that includes a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and great EXCELLENT health benefits (100% covered by employer) and 401k retirement incentives with automatic contributions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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\n RESPONSIBILITIES: <\/b>
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer \- Facilitates the P&C Engineering design review and specifications of transmission \/ substation systems 
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer<\/span><\/span> \- Performs remote engineering work supporting relays and RTAC operations
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer <\/span><\/span>\- Develops, analyzes, and test relay settings in support of company operations
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer<\/span><\/span> \- Handles high priority RTU programming and in\-house in SCADA testing initiatives
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer<\/span><\/span> \- Leads commissioning, maintenance, & testing operations
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer \- <\/span><\/span>Works with compliance team on up keeping NERC and CIP Compliance standards
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  • The P&C Electrical Engineer \/ Relay Protection Engineer<\/span><\/span> \- Has oversight on transmission and substation system firmware upgrades 
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    \n QUALIFICATIONS:<\/b>
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    • Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with a focus Relay Settings and Power System Studies 
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    • 3\-5+ Years of Transmission Protection, P&C, and\/or Substation Automation engineering experience
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    • Understanding of NERC Transmission Protection Standard and Compliance<\/span><\/span>
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    • Experience developing and analyzing protective relay Settings for SEL equipment
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    • Hands\-on experience working with ASPEN OneLiner, SEL acSELerator, SEL RTAC packages
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    • Solid expertise in the areas of transmission protective relays, relaying systems, and SEL protective schemes
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    • Experience facilitating power system studies, relay coordination, and short\-circuit calculations in CAPE, ETAP, ASPEN, OR SKM
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    • Familiarity with telecommunication and SCADA protocols like ModBus and SEL
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    • Experience working as a Transmission Protection Engineer, P&C Engineer, Relay Engineer, or Protection & Controls Specialist (SME)
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    • Strong understanding of P&C Design principles for high voltage system
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    • Understanding of protective relay testing and calibration via testing systems like Omicron, Doble F6150, Doble Protection Suite, EnoservRTS (RTS)
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