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Freelance Substation Automation System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Substation Automation System information

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$37.5K

$45.6K

$71K

How much do freelance substation automation system jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance substation automation system in the United States is $45,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $42,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Substation Automation System vs Substation Automation Engineer?

AspectFreelance Substation Automation SystemSubstation Automation Engineer
CredentialsVaries; often self-taught or with specialized certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like IEEE or CIGRE
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteTypically employed by utilities or engineering firms, on-site or office-based
Industry UsageFreelance projects, consulting, custom solutionsDesign, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems

Freelance Substation Automation Systems focus on independent project work, often requiring self-directed skills and certifications. Substation Automation Engineers are employed by organizations to design and maintain automation systems, usually with formal education and industry certifications. Both roles are essential in the power industry but differ mainly in employment type and scope of work.

What does a Freelance Substation Automation System professional do?

A Freelance Substation Automation System professional specializes in designing, implementing, configuring, and maintaining automation solutions for electrical substations. Their work often involves integrating hardware and software to monitor, control, and protect power systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency. They may work with protocols like IEC 61850, configure protection relays, and assist utilities or industrial clients with remote monitoring and diagnostics. As freelancers, they typically handle multiple projects and clients, providing flexible expertise on a contract basis.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance professionals working in Substation Automation Systems, and how can they be managed?

Freelance professionals in Substation Automation Systems often encounter challenges such as coordinating with remote teams, managing diverse project requirements from multiple clients, and staying updated with evolving industry standards and technologies. Effective communication and proactive scheduling are essential for collaborating with utility engineers, protection specialists, and IT teams. Additionally, investing time in continuous learning and certification can help freelancers remain competitive and deliver high-quality automation solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Substation Automation System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Substation Automation System Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and automation, usually supported by a relevant degree and experience in substation projects. Familiarity with SCADA systems, IEC 61850 protocols, PLC programming, and certifications like PMP or vendor-specific credentials are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability help freelancers work independently and collaborate with clients remotely. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering reliable automation solutions, ensuring system integrity, and meeting client expectations in a specialized and evolving field.
More about Freelance Substation Automation System jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Substation Automation System jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Substation Automation System job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Automation System jobs? The most popular types of Substation Automation System jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Substation Automation System jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Substation Automation System jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Substation Automation System job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,556 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Automation Commissioning Junior Engineer

Automation Commissioning Junior Engineer

Hitachi

Raleigh, NC โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Location:

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job ID:

R0135239

Date Posted:

2026-07-01

Company Name:

HITACHI ENERGY USA INC

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Are you ready to launch your career in the power industry and gain hands-on experience supporting the infrastructure that powers communities? As an Automation Commissioning Junior Engineer, you will support the testing, integration, and commissioning of substation automation systems used across modern power grids. Through structured training, mentorship, and real-world field experience, you will develop technical knowledge in substation automation, grid infrastructure, SCADA environments, communication protocols, and commissioning practices. Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, and customers, you will help ensure automation systems are installed, configured, tested, and validated according to project requirements and safety standards. This role offers significant exposure to high-voltage energy systems, renewable integration, and advanced automation technologies while providing a pathway to build a long-term career in the evolving energy sector. If you are energized by learning in the field, collaborating with others, and contributing to reliable and modern power systems, this is an opportunity to develop valuable skills while supporting critical energy infrastructure.

How You'll Make an Impact
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
  • Assist with the testing and commissioning of substation automation systems.
  • Perform signal checks and verification activities to support system validation.
  • Support the integration and configuration of automation systems.
  • Develop knowledge of communication protocols including IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus.
  • Assist with project documentation and reporting activities.
  • Collaborate with engineers, project teams, and customers during commissioning and testing activities.
  • Follow safety procedures and contribute to a culture of safety, integrity, and accountability.
  • Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
Your Background
  • Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
  • 0-2 years of relevant experience; internships are considered.
  • Basic understanding of electric power systems or electrical fundamentals.
  • Interest in substation automation, grid systems, or field engineering.
  • Willingness to travel extensively, up to 80%, for on-site commissioning activities.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers and multidisciplinary teams.
More About Us

In this role, you will gain hands-on experience with substation automation systems, grid infrastructure, commissioning practices, and advanced power system technologies while working alongside experienced professionals across the energy industry.

  • Health Care (medical, dental, vision, etc.)

  • Financial Wellbeing: (Employer sponsored pension - 401(k) Program with generous company match and contribution, Life/AD&D Insurance, disability insurance)
  • Family Care: Life and Family (Legal, pet, auto, home, identity theft, etc.), special needs support, and adoption assistance
  • Work-Life: Enhanced leave programs (FMLA, Military Service Leave, Maternal, Paternal, adoption, vacation, and holiday)
  • Hybrid Work Environment: This role operates in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office and remote collaboration based on business needs.
  • Permissive Time Off: No accrued hours, take the time you need
  • Employee Engagement and Development: Employee Resource Groups (depending on location), tuition reimbursement program, on-demand learning platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


Equal Employment Opportunity

Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals

with disabilities.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.


Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.


Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017