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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

Cushing Terrell

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... Engineer to lead and grow our firm's capabilities in power system protection. As the go-to expert ... Perform system studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and review designs ...

Cushing Terrell

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... Engineer to lead and grow our firm's capabilities in power system protection. As the go-to expert ... Perform system studies, develop protection schemes, coordinate relay settings, and review designs ...

High Priority Plumbing

Sr. Relay Technician

Aurora, CO · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

High Priority Plumbing

Sr. Relay Technician

Parker, CO · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

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All JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$57.6K

$121.1K

$184.8K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection relay engineer in Denver, CO is $121,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $137,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Denver, CO?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in Denver, CO are:

Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,148 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$110K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 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 are seeking a skilled and dedicated Power Systems Protection Engineer to join our Engineering Services team. As a Senior Protection Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, testing, implementing, and effective protection and control schemes. Your expertise in relay protection and controls, relay coordination, and power systems will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.
As a Senior Protection 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 transmission & distribution utilities, substations, and industrial clients.

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

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities to validate the 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. degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline.

  • 10 + years experience in relevant field.

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and relay coordination techniques.

  • 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.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!
Location:
Lakewood, CO-This position is located in Lakewood, CO. Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and located just seven miles away from Denver, making Lakewood a perfect place to live and work. Enjoy an unmatched quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation and great schools.
#INDD2
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 SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

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