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Freelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

kennedyjc

Senior Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $165K/yr

Perform power system design and studies, including load flow, short circuit, protective relay ... Perform engineering analyses: Perform calculations for voltage drop, electrical load studies ...

PBK

Structural Project Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$74K - $111K/yr

Utilize written and verbal communication skills to relay and translate design and coordination ... protected veteran status, criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by law.

JSat Automation

BAS Engineering Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... and fire protection systems. Position requires excellent written and verbal communication ... Identify time-sensitive installation needs and relay that to subcontractors. * Manage the ...

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All JobsRelay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer JobsFreelance Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

Freelance Relay Protection Engineer information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

$15

$48

$135

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance relay protection engineer in Spring Valley, CA is $48.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.86 and $63.22 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.

What cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Freelance Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Freelance Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you

Substation Project Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

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 openings for a substation project engineers in San Diego, CA. Responsibilities include the conceptual, preliminary and final detailed design of new, upgraded and expanded substations, including material procurement, construction and commissioning/startup support through energization. Engineering responsibilities include the development and delivery of physical, electrical, civil and communication design studies, calculations, drawings, exhibits and specifications. A Project Engineer assists the Project Manager in the planning and execution of best-in-class projects, including client and stakeholder coordination, training and mentoring of design staff, project quality assurance, and oversight of design engineers, designers, drafters and support staff. Project Engineers coordinate the completion of specialized tasks with ECI's subject matter expert discipline groups such as Distribution Studies, Transmission Studies, Grounding Studies, Protection (relay coordination and settings), Civil Engineering, Communication (SCADA Integration), Transmission & Distribution Engineering, Environmental Planning, Surveying, Lands/Right-of-Way, and Project Management/Controls.
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor of Science or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, 6+ years' project and design engineering experience, or an acceptable combination of education and experience; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organization and planning skills; ability to work in a team environment; commitment to quality and accuracy; and a willingness to meet fast-paced project schedules. A PE license is preferred. The successful applicant must have an advanced knowledge of power engineering principals, be expert regarding applicable codes, standards and design tools, possess basic project management execution skills, and have the ability to oversee and direct design personnel on a project team. Experience in utility or merchant power industry a plus. The successful applicant may be subject to client-mandated drug and background checking. Occasional travel/driving is required; therefore, the successful applicant will be subject to ECI's auto insurance carrier requirements. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Compensation Range: $120,000 - $153,000 Annually
Salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits include the following:
  • 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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