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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Gresham, OR

Sargent & Lundy

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$108K - $143K/yr

As a Lead Substation Engineer, you will: * Work on a wide range of substation modifications and ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

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All JobsRelay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Gresham, OR

Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

See Gresham, OR salary details

$15

$50

$140

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection engineer in Gresham, OR is $50.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $65.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings in Gresham, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,122 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineer 3 / Facilities Engineering

Azad Technology Partners

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$58.33 - $103.44/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical expertise and advice on metering and relay systems to senior colleagues and agency officials.

  • Support the integration of Protective Relaying equipment and System Control circuitry to ensure safe and reliable energy delivery.

  • Assist in the support of the capital program related to electrical protection and control systems.

Job description

Join AZAD Technology Partners as an Electrical Engineer serve as a technical specialist in the area of metering and relay systems and to provide advice to senior colleagues and agency officials responsible for broad program operations within the area of expertise. This position provides support of the capital program to enable seamless integration of Protective Relaying equipment and the System Control circuitry needed for the safe and reliable delivery of energy across the Northwest.

This is a 2 year plus consultant position with high probability of long term and ongoing continued employment. This position is hybrid based in Vancouver, WA with onsite 1 days per week. The hourly pay rate range for this position (which includes a health and welfare fringe benefit of $5.09) is between $42.34 and $75.09 depending on related qualifications and experience, as well as composition of selected compensation package.

The ideal candidate must possess the minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is required, preferably in the fields of Electrical, Electronics, or Power Engineering.
  • 10 years' experience and knowledge of engineering concepts, principals, and practices applicable to components and facilities found on a regional transmission system is required.
  • 10 years of experience as a System Protection Engineer is required.
  • Proficiency with administrative software such as Microsoft Office Suite products, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, including Microsoft Office 2010 is required.
  • 9 years' experience in testing and installing protection equipment and command control circuitry projects.
  • 9 years' experience integrating power system control systems at electrical utility or comparable public or private utility facilities.
  • 9 years' experience setting and modifying electrical utility or comparable public or private utility power system control equipment.
  • 9 years' experience electric utility systems, design practices, testing standards, safety standards, work standards and duties and tasks related to installation, testing, maintenance and repair of substation relay and control systems.
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License or RealID is required.
Preferred Skills

Proficiency with engineering software such as fault study analysis Aspen program, MathCad calculation worksheet, Wavewin system analysis program, SEL AcSelerator settings, and ABB PCM-600 settings, or similar software, is highly preferred.

AZAD is looking for bright, talented, flexible, and customer centric problem solvers who enjoy the challenges associated with solving the most complex problems by utilizing the most sophisticated technologies and strong people skills.

Benefits

EXCELLENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS including Co-paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Cafeteria Plan, Paid Sick Leave, 401K Plan, Credit Union Membership, and Referral Bonus.

U.S. Citizens only for Federal Clearance Requirement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AZAD values diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. Since our inception, we have witnessed how our diverse workforce has thrived while contributing to the increases in innovation and advancements in the client organizations we serve. AZAD is committed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and is striving to build an even more diverse, inclusive team that reflects the people and communities where we live and work. AZAD, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that considers and employs qualified individuals based upon job related qualifications regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces services medal veterans, and other protected veterans. AZAD takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified employees and applicants who are disabled, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces services medal veterans, and other protected veterans. AZAD, Inc. is a Certified Minority Owned Business and OFCCP compliant.

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