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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

PBK

Senior Electrical Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... protection engineering design services. Our engineers are focused on system performance ... relay information to clients and team members Why Join Us? Eligible employees receive an annual ...

Puget Sound Energy

Engineer I - Substation Controls

Kent, WA · On-site

$111K - $141K/yr

This role is in the Substation Engineering group and closely coordinates design with other PSE engineering teams including System Protection and Relay Engineering who are responsible for modeling ...

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All JobsRelay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$54

$150

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection engineer in Seattle, WA is $54.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $70.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,927 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer

PBK

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

LEAF Engineers is a frontrunner for success in providing comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing, technology, and fire protection engineering design services. Our engineers are focused on system performance, reliability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance. Our work typically consists of large commercial projects, primarily award-winning K-12 schools. With an emphasis on teamwork, we reach beyond the traditional MEP approach to solve problems and integrate a more holistic style to our processes. Within LEAF, you will find a fast-paced environment with many opportunities to learn and accelerate your career.
This position will require a candidate with experience in the design of electrical distribution systems, power systems, lighting systems for commercial, and educational facilities including branch circuit and feeder calculations, equipment specification, and emergency power system layout.
Your Impact:
• Prepare and oversee electrical power system design having single line diagrams, wiring and elementary diagrams along with layout and circuitry design
• Coordinate designs and drawings needed for plant electrical systems to meet applicable standards and codes
• Review supplier drawings conforming with specifications plus dimensional compatibility along with assemblies and components
• Interact with clients, vendors, contractors, architects, and fellow electrical engineers to design required coordinated designs
• Prepare construction documents along with schedules and specifications
• Develop accurate and precise product designs that comply with drafting and company standards
• Review and coordinate vendor design documents review to ensure comply to design requirements
• Provide quality assurance checks of electrical, control detail engineering and design project deliverables
• Compare project budgets along with schedules to coordinate multidiscipline groups
Here's What You'll Need:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering technology degree
• 6+ years of work experience with an engineering consultant
• Proficient in Revit and AutoCAD design software
• Proficiency with Bluebeam
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to self-assess and command a high level of accuracy
Here's How You'll Stand Out:
• PE Licensed
• Strong oral, written, and communication skills
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Project experience in K-12 educational market
• For California Offices: Project experience in the K-12 education market and with the Division of the State Architect (DSA)
• Understanding of MEP calculations, and Title-24 documentation to be able to relay information to clients and team members
Why Join Us?
Eligible employees receive an annual performance bonus depending on LEAF profitability and individual performance. LEAF employees are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a learning & development program, and an employee referral bonus program. A Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA) are available depending upon the employee's choice of health insurance coverage. Employees are also covered by life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Employees may enroll in the 401(k) plan with discretionary matching contributions after eligibility has been met. Employees accrue a minimum of 2 weeks of paid time off during their first year with LEAF and an additional week of paid time off during our winter break (12/26-12/31), 10 days of sick leave, and we observe 8 1/2 holidays. The expected pay range for this position, based on experience, skills, and knowledge applicable to the role is $123,000 to $154,000.

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