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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Electrical Test Tech-Trainee

Lancaster, PA

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... Engineering, System Operating, Mobile Work Force, Division Operations, Power Production and contractors relative to the installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of protective relay and ...

Electrical Test Tech-Trainee

PA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

... Engineering, System Operating, Mobile Work Force, Division Operations, Power Production and contractors relative to the installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of protective relay and ...

Electrical Test Tech-Trainee

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

... Engineering, System Operating, Mobile Work Force, Division Operations, Power Production and contractors relative to the installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of protective relay and ...

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

Senior Engineer - Protection & Control

Exton, PA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

The Protection & Controls Engineer reports to our Protection & Controls Technical Manager and ... Experience with relay settings is a plus. * Knowledge of modern power systems, power system ...

PA · On-site

$98.40 - $164/hr

... associated power systems engineering. Lead Systems Engineer The Lead Systems Engineer will be ... protected by law. GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the ...

Showing results 41-60

Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Test Tech-Trainee

PPL Corporation

Northumberland, PA

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Company Summary Statement
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Overview

Performs adjustment, calibration, testing, installation and maintenance of power system protection, monitoring and control devices and systems at substations, generating stations and customer locations.  Coordinates Electrical Test activities on assigned projects. This position is located at PPLs Sunbury Service Center.  This is a union position. The successful candidate will be a member of IBEW Local 1600. 


Responsibilities
  1. Installs, tests, calibrates, maintains, diagnoses and remedies improper performance of equipment and systems used for protection, data acquisition, monitoring and control of the power system, including generating station equipment.
  2. Suggests changes or deviations from established procedures and instructions, subject to review and approval of supervision. As necessary, writes Procedure Change Authorization Forms, subject to review and approval of supervision, quality control and health physics.
  3. Performs work under normal and emergency conditions and makes decisions in the absence of onsite supervision which have a direct effect on the reliability and operation of the power system.
  4. Coordinates Electrical Test activities on assigned projects consistent with training and experience. Assists in the evaluation of new installations against design intent and/or standards.  Develops test plans and work plans.  Assists in design reviews.
  5. Interfaces directly with industrial customers, independent power producers and representatives from telephone companies and other electric utilities relative to the installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of protective relay and control equipment at customer locations and interconnection points.
  6. Interfaces directly with representatives from Engineering, System Operating, Mobile Work Force, Division Operations, Power Production and contractors relative to the installation, calibration, operation and maintenance of protective relay and control equipment.
  7. Advises, instructs and assists other employees in Electrical Test and other departments in the maintenance, calibration, repair and proper functioning of power system protection and control systems, including safety practices and, as applicable, radiological, quality control, health physics and other NRC regulations.
  8. Prepares and completes required reports, forms, work authorizations, work requests, blocking lists, test records, maintenance histories, etc., in accordance with established procedures.
  9. Exercises proper care and use of test equipment and instruments. Recommends and maintains an inventory of spare parts, tools, instruments and fixtures needed to test, maintain, calibrate and repair assigned test equipment and instruments.
  10. Maintains thorough knowledge of and follows applicable rules associated with the company's permit and tag system, safety rule book, environmental regulations, and OSHA regulations; also, as applicable, radiological, quality control, health physics, and other NRC regulations pertinent to the work being performed. Practices safe work methods and uses required personal protective equipment.
  11. Participates in the development of Electrical Test procedures and work instructions.
  12. Participates in all aspects of prescribed training and development programs, ongoing training conducted for upgrading and refreshing of skills and safety, health and environmental training.
  13. Performs such other related duties as assigned or as necessary.

Qualifications
  1. Graduate of a two-year Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology degree program from a school/program which as been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency. PPL’s Engineering Aide Qualifying Exam will be used to screen internal candidates who do not meet the minimum entry degree requirements for the position.
  2. Must attain a passing score on the company's validated screening exam for Electrical Test Technician.
  3. Must have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator's license.
Qualifications:
  1. Graduate of a two-year Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology degree program from a school/program which as been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency. PPL’s Engineering Aide Qualifying Exam will be used to screen internal candidates who do not meet the minimum entry degree requirements for the position.
  2. Must attain a passing score on the company's validated screening exam for Electrical Test Technician.
  3. Must have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle operator's license.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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