ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRC Companies, Inc.

System Protection Engineer IV

Boise, ID · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Overview TRC's System Protection Department is seeking a Lead System Protection Engineer (Engineer ... Serve as lead engineer for the relay settings portion of assigned projects. * Conduct various power ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs

Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

See salary details

$56K

$117.7K

$179.5K

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

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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:
Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 83% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior Protection Relay Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Knoxville, TN • Hybrid

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

GIG South / Generation Industrial & Government

The Senior Protection Relay Engineer candidate should have experience with the utility, industrial, or power generation industries and be capable of leading teams for both small and large power generation design projects as well as acting in the owner’s engineer role. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in power generation and distribution, protective relaying systems, and power system studies. In addition, the candidate will be expected to mentor young engineers, support in managing client relationships, and lead technical proposal efforts in support of the project manager. A significant level of design and engineer of record work experience with power plant systems is required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years experience in protection relay system design, settings, and installation.
  • Design experience with coal, hydro, simple cycle and combined cycle power plants.
  • Previous experience with an engineering power consulting or EPC firm desired.
  • Experience with power systems analysis software like ETAP/SKM a plus.
  • Field installation and testing (using a Doble or similar) of relays a plus.
  • Candidate must have excellent communication, written and organizational skills.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work independently, as a lead on a multi-discipline consulting team, or as a lead on a small team are required.
  • Extensive knowledge of three-phase electrical power, relay protection and control design are desired. Should be familiar with SEL, Basler, Beckwith, etc.
  • Knowledge and application of NERC-PRC standards and other commonly utilized industry standards.
  • Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.
  • Direct the activities of other engineering professionals and act as a mentor to other staff members as needed.
  • Delegating, planning, prioritizing and reviewing the work of other engineers.
  • Position will include an expectation of less than 15% travel for on-site meetings with clients and vendors as well as project site visits to investigate site conditions or in support of proposal efforts.

Position Location

The selected candidate is ideally located, or willing to relocate to the following locations:

Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA; Hybrid/Remote eligibility dependent on candidate

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Notice to External Search Firms:Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.