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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Electrical Relay Engineer, you will lead the design, coordination, and analysis of protective relay systems for substations, power generation facilities, and transmission & distribution ...

As an Electrical Relay Engineer, you will lead the design, coordination, and analysis of protective relay systems for substations, power generation facilities, and transmission & distribution ...

Senior Electrical Relay Engineer

Shawnee, KS ยท Hybrid

$125K - $185K/yr

As an Electrical Relay Engineer, you will lead the design, coordination, and analysis of protective relay systems for substations, power generation facilities, and transmission & distribution ...

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning ...

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning ...

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Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

See salary details

$56K

$117.7K

$179.5K

How much do power system protection relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection relay engineer in the United States is $117,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power System Protection Relay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Relay Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in power systems and relay protection principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard protection relays (e.g., SEL, ABB, GE), relay coordination software, and relevant standards (such as IEEE and NERC) is essential, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring system reliability, minimizing outages, and safeguarding equipment and personnel in complex electrical networks.

What are some common challenges faced by Power System Protection Relay Engineers in the field?

Power System Protection Relay Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating protection schemes across complex power grids, ensuring reliable relay settings, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. They must troubleshoot and resolve relay misoperations, often under time-sensitive conditions to minimize system downtime. Additionally, keeping up with industry standards and maintaining clear communication with operations, maintenance, and planning teams are essential for effective system protection and safety.

What does a Power System Protection Relay Engineer do?

A Power System Protection Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, testing, and maintaining the protective relays and systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment. They ensure that faults or abnormal conditions are quickly detected and isolated to prevent damage and maintain system stability. Their work involves analyzing power system behavior, programming relay settings, conducting system studies, and troubleshooting issues to ensure reliable and safe operation of electrical networks.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Relay Engineer vs Power System Engineer?

AspectPower System Protection Relay EngineerPower System Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires electrical engineering degree, certifications in protection relays (e.g., IEEE, CEA)Requires electrical engineering degree, often with power systems specialization
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and commissioning protection relay systems in substations and power plantsPlanning, analyzing, and managing overall power system operations and infrastructure
Industry UsageFocused on protection schemes, relay settings, and fault analysisBroader scope including system stability, load flow, and grid integration

The Power System Protection Relay Engineer specializes in designing and maintaining protection relay systems to ensure grid safety, while the Power System Engineer oversees the overall power network operations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise but differ in focus and responsibilities.

More about Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Senior Electrical Relay Engineer

Senior Electrical Relay Engineer

Luxus

Overland Park, KS โ€ข Hybrid

$125K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Electrical Relay Engineer โ€“ Power Generation & Substation Systems

Company Name: LDB, Inc.
Location: Overland Park, KS
Industry Focus: Power Generation, Substations, Transmission & Distribution (T&D), and Industrial Power Systems
Work Setting: Full-Time | Hybrid Flexibility Available
Salary: $125,000 โ€“ $185,000 + Overtime Pay + Profit Sharing
Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Position Overview

This is a senior-level engineering opportunity for a power systems professional who thrives in technically demanding environments and wants direct influence over complex electrical infrastructure projects. As an Electrical Relay Engineer, you will lead the design, coordination, and analysis of protective relay systems for substations, power generation facilities, and transmission & distribution projects. From system studies through field implementation, your work will directly impact the reliability, safety, and performance of critical power infrastructure.

The firm offers the technical depth of a full-service engineering environment while maintaining a collaborative, engineer-driven culture. Youโ€™ll work alongside multidisciplinary teams on diverse utility and industrial projects, balancing hands-on engineering with project leadership responsibilities. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer who values technical autonomy, problem-solving, and long-term professional growth within the power systems sector.

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and specify electrical systems for substations, power plants, and transmission & distribution infrastructure projects
  • Develop and coordinate protective relay schemes for high-voltage, medium-voltage, and 480V power systems
  • Perform arc flash, short circuit, load flow, and protective device coordination studies
  • Program and configure SEL relays and support system protection implementation efforts
  • Size electrical equipment, grounding systems, and layout clearances to ensure compliance with safety and code requirements
  • Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and applicable utility and industrial standards
  • Lead projects from conceptual engineering through execution, balancing technical accuracy, schedule, and cost considerations
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, field personnel, utilities, and clients throughout project delivery
  • Review engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for quality and constructability
  • Support field activities, commissioning efforts, troubleshooting, and technical evaluations as required

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Electrical Engineering required
  • Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S. state required
  • Experience: 10โ€“20 years of experience in substation, utility, or power generation electrical engineering
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Strong background in protective relays, relay coordination, grounding systems, and power system studies
    • Experience with SEL relay programming and protection scheme development
    • Deep understanding of utility, industrial, and electrical safety standards
  • Analysis Software: Experience performing arc flash, short circuit, coordination, and load flow studies utilizing industry-standard software
  • Communication: Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively across technical teams and clients
  • Travel: Willingness to travel approximately 5โ€“10% for project and field support needs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with utility-scale power generation or transmission infrastructure projects
  • Background in commissioning, troubleshooting, and field relay testing support
  • Familiarity with SCADA, automation, or control system integration
  • Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading technical project teams
  • Strong understanding of industrial and utility grounding system design

About LDB, Inc.

LDB, Inc. is a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm delivering infrastructure, utility, and industrial engineering solutions across power generation, substations, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. Known for its collaborative culture and technical expertise, the firm provides engineers with exposure to diverse and technically sophisticated projects while supporting long-term professional growth, flexibility, and hands-on project involvement.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of LDB, Inc. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

Keywords

Electrical Relay Engineer, Protective Relay Engineer, Substation Engineer, Power Generation Engineer, Transmission & Distribution, SEL Relay Programming, Arc Flash Studies, Load Flow Analysis, Short Circuit Studies, Power Systems Engineering, Utility Engineering, Grounding Design, PE Electrical Engineer, Overland Park Engineering Jobs, T&D Engineering