Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Washington

In this role you will lead and perform inspection, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and start-up of low and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, including breakers, transformers, switches, switchgear, relays, and motor control centers, as well as other electrical apparatus both in the field and in a shop environment. An understanding of sophisticated electrical distribution systems as well as the use of complex electrical test equipment is required. You will contribute to a safe working environment for co-workers and customers and help ensure the overall success of projects. Local, regional, and national travel is required, ability to travel internationally is preferred.

• Coordinate, lead, and support multiple projects both onsite and in-house utilizing various company software systems, review and maintain job documentation, ensuring completeness of information from receipt of order to invoice.
• Perform testing of low and medium voltage cables, instrument and power transformers, switchgear, breakers, electro-mechanical and solid-state relays, and other electrical apparatus.
• Contain material costs by eliminating wasteful practices and implementing appropriate control measures.
• Rotate emergency on-call duty and if called respond to customer emergencies in a timely manner.
• Promote an attitude of continuous improvement and teamwork.

• Applicants selected must have minimum 5+ years of relevant electrical experience with HS Diploma/GED OR associate’s degree with minimum 4+ years of relevant electrical experience OR Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3+ years of relevant electrical experience

• Possess a valid/active U.S. Work Authorization

Expectations of Expertise & Knowledge:

• NETA / NICET certification (preferred) or equivalent hands-on experience in electrical testing.
• Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, NETA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA electrical safety standards.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.
• Experience with test equipment such as Doble, Omicron, Megger, Vanguard, and Fluke meters.
• Understanding of insulation resistance, power factor, contact resistance, and high-potential (Hi-Pot) testing procedures.
• Knowledge of medium and high-voltage systems (up to 500kV), including arc flash hazard analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose system failures.
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in industrial, data center, and utility environments.
• Ability to work safely under minimal supervision and follow industry best practices.
• Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, ensuring compliance with NETA standards
• Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers.
• Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection testing.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults and perform root cause analysis for system failures.
• Conduct transformer testing, including turns ratio, insulation resistance, and power factor testing.
• Ensure adherence to electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and PPE compliance.
• Maintain detailed test reports and documentation for compliance and client review.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure efficient system commissioning and startup.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior technicians as needed.

Desired / Advantageous Qualifications:

• OEM certified field service training program.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Paid time off

• Tuition reimbursement

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Military Reserve pay offset

• Paid maternity leave

Abilities:

• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.

• Relocates a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.

• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.

• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.

• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.

• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.

• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.  It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.