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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms and concepts are a plus. * Experience working with the electric utility industry or petro-chemical ...

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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California? For Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings:
Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution.

Protection Engineer

Astrion

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview

Protection Engineer – Power & Mechanical Systems

Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA.
Status: Full-time

Salary: $200K–$245K/year
Clearance: Background check

U.S. Citizenship required

Make an Impact at NASA Ames

Astrion/MEIS is seeking a highly skilled Protection Engineer (Power & Mechanical) to join our Space Systems division in support of NASA Ames Research Center’s Electrical Power Reliability Office (EPrO).

In this role, you’ll directly contribute to the safety, reliability, and performance of NASA Ames’ high- and medium-voltage electrical distribution systems. 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 License (Professional Engineer)

  • Ten (10)+ years’ experience in high- and medium-voltage design, relay coordination, and short-circuit analysis.

  • Proficiency in SKM software, arc flash calculation, and SEL microprocessor relay programming.

  • Expertise in both electromechanical and solid-state relays (calibration and setting).

  • Problem-solving mindset, clear communicator, and ability to thrive in on-site, hands-on work.

  • Flexibility to support after-hours, nights, or weekend outages when required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Strong understanding of NASA Ames Electrical Power System (preferred).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform arc flash and short-circuit calculations, relay programming, and relay setting.

  • Review, program, test, and calibrate protective relays and breaker trip settings.

  • Print and distribute arc flash safety labels for NASA Ames electrical systems.

  • Maintain and update SKM master models for building and drive power systems.

  • Provide protection system specifications and relay settings for new infrastructure projects.

  • Prepare wiring diagrams and schematics for protective relay installations.

  • Support relay technicians during planned and unplanned outages.

  • Maintain and review one-line diagrams for arc flash, short circuit, and relay analysis.

  • Ensure all device settings are properly stored in the EPrO database.

This is your opportunity to apply your expertise in power protection engineering to support missions that directly enable NASA’s world-class science and space exploration programs.

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