ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Integration Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

Have specialty in protection or automation control in power systems? Have experience in project ... Design and develop relay protection and automation logics WHAT YOU BRING TO US: * Bachelor's degree ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Integration Engineer

Sterling, VA

$103K - $138K/yr

Have specialty in protection or automation control in power systems? Have experience in project ... Design and develop relay protection and automation logics WHAT YOU BRING TO US: * Bachelor's degree ...

Rosendin

Integration Engineer

Sterling, VA

$103K - $139K/yr

Have specialty in protection or automation control in power systems? Have experience in project ... Design and develop relay protection and automation logics WHAT YOU BRING TO US: * Bachelor's degree ...

Rosendin

Integration Engineer

Hanover, VA

$100K - $135K/yr

Have specialty in protection or automation control in power systems? Have experience in project ... Design and develop relay protection and automation logics WHAT YOU BRING TO US: * Bachelor's degree ...

NRTC

Power Systems Advisory Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

Execute and/or review distribution planning and power system studies, including protection and ... Provide owner's engineer support on select projects, including design and study reviews, validation ...

NRTC

Power Systems Advisory Engineer

Herndon, VA

Execute and/or review distribution planning and power system studies, including protection and ... Provide owner's engineer support on select projects, including design and study reviews, validation ...

Voltyx Energy Solutions

Relay Technician I

Richmond, VA · On-site

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission ...

EPS

Relay Technician I

Richmond, VA · On-site

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design ...

EPS

Relay Technician I

Richmond, VA

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Develop relay macros and testing routines with confirmation of proper protection and control design ...

Voltyx Energy Solutions

Relay Technician I

Richmond, VA · On-site

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA

Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, ensuring compliance with NETA standards * Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

VA

Perform acceptance and maintenance testing of electrical power systems, ensuring compliance with NETA standards * Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various ...

CDM Smith

Electrical Engineer 1

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Under direct supervision, creates basic designs of electric master system plans, power system, protection and generation models, facility power systems, sustainability/renewable energy systems, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$116.7K

$178K

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

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection relay engineer in Virginia is $116,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $132,800.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,692 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Power Systems Automation Engineer

Power Systems Automation Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Richmond, VA

$84K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power Systems Automation Engineer in Sales & Customer Service you'll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Power Systems Automation Engineer a typical day might include the following:

  • Helping customers apply SEL products through visits, demonstrations, training courses and telephone contact.
  • Maintaining and improving knowledge of power systems automation solutions and all related SEL products.
  • Provide solutions to a wide variety of increasingly difficult problems and these solutions are imaginative, thorough, and practical.
  • Participate and present at SEL marketing and sales activities, industry technical meetings, and conferences.
  • Teach SEL University courses.
  • Contributing to and reviewing white papers, application guides, industry journals, and technical papers.

This job might be for you ifyou:

  • Have aBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineeringor equivalent.
  • Have 6+ years of experience in power systems automation and communication.
  • Have relevant experience with utility/industrial power systems, focusing on automation, communications, and control, including:

    • SCADA fundamentals and protocols (DNP3, Modbus, SEL, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA).

    • RTUs, RTACs, IEDs, SEL Relays (3XX-8XX series).

    • PLCs, HMIs.

    • Serial (EIA-232, EIA-485) and Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP) communications.

    • Firewalls, Security Gateways (SEL-362X).

    • Terminal Servers (SEL-3610), Cellular Routers (SEL-3061 or equivalent), Managed Network Switches, SDN.

    • IEC 61131-3 programming (Structured Text, Continuous Function Chart, Ladder Diagram).

    • Troubleshooting with Wireshark.

  • Desire to learn how the power system transmits and receives information between protective devices and the operational systems.
  • Desire to be involved in the cutting-edge technology of communication technology and protocols.
  • Enjoying solving complex problems and delighting customers.
  • Are astrong communicator with excellent technical training, speaking, writing, and customer service skills.

Location

We are open to this role being located in one of the following locations:

  • Columbus, GA
  • Huntsville, AL
  • Richmond, VA
  • Little Rock, AR

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.

Salary Range Data

$84,000 - $160,000 per year. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

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.

What Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply