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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Virginia

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA · On-site

$39.30 - $62.88/hr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA · On-site

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

Rosendin

Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Design and develop relay protection and automation logics for SEL, ABB, Siemens or GE relays ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and minimum of 8+ years of engineering design ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Integration Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

Design and develop relay protection and automation logics WHAT YOU BRING TO US: * Bachelor's degree in engineering, architectural engineering, or construction sciences * Typically requires a minimum ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA · On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA · On-site

$32.69 - $49.04/hr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA · On-site

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

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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 Virginia? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings:
Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Richmond, VA

$97K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 368 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Richmond, VA, office is seeking a Substation Protection and Control (P&C) Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation protection and control projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing protection packages, relay one-line and three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams,  communications diagrams, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with cross discipline teams. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in utility protection and control standards, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation protection and control design for utility and renewable energy projects. Develop protection packages for transmission and distribution substations. Prepare AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay panel layouts, and interconnection drawings. Develop relay one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and logic diagrams. Design station service AC and DC systems associated with protection and control equipment. Perform quality control reviews on protection and control design projects. Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance. Create and review bills of materials for relay panels, control cabinets, communications equipment, and P&C systems. Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation P&C projects. Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to protection and control design. Support commissioning activities, relay testing, troubleshooting, and energization planning. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers. Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives. Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the Power Delivery team.

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCADE, MicroStation and Bluebeam.
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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