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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

baker

Sr. Power Systems Engineer (PE)

Baker, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Develop and review relay protection philosophies, control schematics, relay settings documentation, and commissioning requirements utilizing platforms such as SEL, Basler, and similar protection and ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

System One

Field Support

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$250/day

Background in commissioning, startup, testing, or field engineering * Knowledge of electrical relay protection systems * Experience reviewing electrical drawings and one-line diagrams * Familiarity ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance relay protection engineer?

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 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 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 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.

Senior Substation Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Ontario, CA • On-site

$139K - $217K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) is a leading power engineering consultant firm that provides engineering, system planning and studies, technical consultation, project management, surveying, environmental planning, commissioning/testing and construction services to electric utilities, energy developers and industrials throughout the U.S. Our experience includes system voltages from 4.16 kV through 765 kV.
ECI has an immediate opening for an experienced substation senior engineer in the Ontario, CA office. This position will be responsible for configuring and producing engineering drawings for installation and commissioning of electro-mechanical and microprocessor type protection relay systems in high voltage substations. These systems are used to protect and control the operation of distribution and transmission lines, medium and large power transformers, shunt capacitor banks, shunt reactors, series capacitor banks and associated electrical buses and equipment in high voltage substations and switchyards. The successful applicant will work with design teams involved with conceptual, preliminary, and final design of station projects 4.16 kV through 500 kV. Specific job tasks performed include producing one-line, three-line, schematic and wiring diagrams for high voltage substation projects. Diligence in the education and training of less experienced staff is an expectation. Occasional travel required.
Minimum Requirements: BSEE or MSEE required; 5+ years of experience specifying, configuring and producing engineering drawings for installation and commissioning of electro-mechanical and microprocessor type protection relay systems in high voltage substations and an extensive background in power system protection and control required. The successful applicant must have proven experience managing a team and have excellent communication (verbal and written), organizational and writing skills. Successful applicant may be subject to client mandated drug and background checking and is required to meet the requirements of ECI's auto insurance carrier. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Compensation Range: $139,000 - $217,000 Annually
Salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k), profit sharing and employee stock ownership plan
  • Paid vacation, personal days and holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Continued professional education reimbursement

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) employs over 850 engineers, designers, project managers, surveyors, ROW agents, environmental planners, construction professionals and support staff in 37 offices across the U.S. The firm has more than 40 years of experience in the planning, engineering, and construction of a wide range of power delivery projects including substations, transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems and industrial facilities.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

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