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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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$56K

$117.7K

$179.5K

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

As of Aug 28, 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 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

We arelooking fora passionate, talented, and motivated Power System Protection Engineer to join our growing SEL Engineering Services team.As a Power System Protection Engineer, you willbe responsible forensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, programming, testing, and implementing effective protection and control schemes. Yourexpertisein relay protection and control schemes, power system studies, and project management will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As aProtection Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Design, develop, and implement protection and control schemes for power systems, including relay protection and control systems.

  • Create protective relay settings for industrial, generation, substations, transmission & distribution utilities.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Work alongside industry-recognized protection experts while developingexpertisein advanced relay technologies, automation systems, transmission protection, and utility modernization initiatives.

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities tovalidatethe functionality and performance of protection schemes.

  • Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

This job might be for you if:

  • You have a B.S.or M.S.degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and power system studies in ETAP, SKM, RTDS etc.

  • You are familiar with relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC/FERC regulations.

  • You have proven experience in designing and implementing protection and control schemes in a utility or industrial setting.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex power system protection challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Possesses,understandsandappliesthe fundamental concepts,practicesand procedures ofpower system protection and related SEL products.

  • Train andassistcustomers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation,commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.

  • Complete and implement assigned work within agreed upon scope,scheduleand budget toa high levelof quality and safety.

  • Participate in the preparation of functional design specifications.

  • Prepare andmaintaindetailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.

  • Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World ClassManufacturing Principles.

  • Understand. Create. Simplify.

  • Other duties as assigned.
    Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline

  • 3+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and protection design practices and philosophies

  • Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control

  • Working knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications

  • Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area

  • Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills

  • Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities

  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

  • Background check results satisfactory to SEL

  • Negative drug testresult(s)


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification

  • Industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience

  • Project engineering experience

  • Programming, testing, and commissioning experience of protective relays

  • Experience developing ac/dc schematics, single line diagrams, wiring diagrams for protection and control applications

  • Experience developing settings configuration files for SEL devicesusingAcSELeratorQuickSet

Don'tmiss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!

Location Information:

  • Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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