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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in Denver, CO

Senior Power System Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO ยท Hybrid

$106K - $138K/yr

... Electrical Engineer specializing in advanced power system studies, with a strong focus on ... Protection coordination and system response during faults * Familiarity with interconnection and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in Denver, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $121,148 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Entry Level Electrical Engineer (Commercial & Industrial) (62598)

NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc

Lakewood, CO โ€ข On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Entry-Level ElectricalEngineer -Commercial & IndustrialAbout the Position

AsaElectricalEngineerin theCommercial & Industrialgroup,you willbe responsible forperforming engineering design and analysis under the responsible charge of a Professional Engineer in a manner that provides the client with a qualitydeliverablethat is on time and within budget.

Salary Range:$75,000 - $110,000 / year

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.

This opportunity isavailable to bothlocal / in-office(Lakewood, CO) andfull-time remotecandidates.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Perform detailed design of all aspects of electrical power systems to include one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, control and relaying schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA, communications, conduit and cable sizing/routing, grounding design, general arrangement, selection of equipment, writing of equipment specifications, project and construction cost estimates, and project scheduling.

  • Prepare computer-based models and perform power system studies on utility and industrial/commercial electrical power transmission and distribution systems, including short circuit, load flow, relay coordination, arc flash, motor starting, power factor, harmonicanalysisand other related studies. Employeeshould create asimple hand checksto quantify the computer aided results.

  • Develop protective relay settings. Set, test, wire, and install relaying and control systems.

  • Program, install, and test SCADA and PLC systems.

  • Prepare a variety of documents and reports associated with projects including cost estimates, budget reports, proposals, and studies.

  • Perform equipment and relay field testing and start-up and commissioning services.

  • Provide fieldassistanceand troubleshooting.

  • Checking the work of designers, drafters, and field service personnel forgeneral qualityand accuracy asrequired.

  • Understanding and applications of applicable Codes and Standards.

  • Other duties as assigned

Must Have
  • Education:Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technologyfrom an accredited institution, electric poweroptionpreferred

  • Experience:0- 5years of relevant engineering or field experience

  • Licensure:FEispreferred

  • Knowledge and familiarity with medium andhigh voltage power systems

  • Proficiencywith AutoCAD.

  • Power system modeling software such asEasyPower,ETAPor SKM.

  • Interaction with clients, customers,contractorsand others.

  • Assistwith client contacts and communicationpertaining tospecific assignments and meetings

  • Possesses effective written and oral communications skills

  • Good interpersonal and people skills

  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Working Conditions

Work Environment:Work is performed in an office setting and some field work is also required

Travel:Typical: 15 - 25%

Physical Activities:Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Managerial Responsibilities:Team Memberis responsible formanaging their own work schedule with input fromtheirsupervisor and completing assigned tasks.Team Membershouldidentifydiscrepancies in assigned work and bring to attention of supervisor or engineer responsible for the projectin a timely manner.Team Member's work product should be self-checked in a manner that is suitable for review by the supervisor or engineer responsible for the project.

About NEI Electric Power Engineering

Serving Others.EnrichingEnvironment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Postfor six straight years (2020 - 2025), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI's mission is to create a great organizationthat serves people and solves problems.

Since NEI's founding, we have developed a culture of collaborationand accountability,both across our teams and departments, and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in two core ideas: hiring great people and celebrating our teammembers withdiversebackgroundsand unique experiences; bringing in new, unique, and exciting perspectives that can only strengthenNEI as we chart out path into the future.

We are a proud equal opportunityemployer,and we do not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status,martialstatus, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.

Team Member Benefits

We believe that taking care of our team members is of theutmostimportance.We strive to foster a community of belonging, professional development, and industry involvement; providing our team with the benefits, tools, and support systems to excel in their roles. Out comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • 100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability

  • Voluntary Life Insurance

  • 401(k) with employer match; 100% immediate vesting

  • Annual & discretionary bonus programs

  • Paid time off

  • Employerpaidlicensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences

  • Paid parental leave

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion.

  • Annual team building budget

  • Remote or in office work environment

  • Career development, training, and coaching opportunities

  • Pet insurance

NEI Electric Power Engineeringparticipatesin E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your completed Form I-9 to confirm your work authorization in the United States.