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Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

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$56K

$117.7K

$179.5K

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

As of Jul 18, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Power Systems Protection Engineer

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Rosendin Electric rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career growth at Rosendin. Enjoy a true sense of ownership as you work with a proven industry leader on some of the most exciting and high-profile projects in the nation. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, competitive compensation, full benefits, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and more.
Why Rosendin?
Committed. Innovative. Engaged.
If you're looking to take your career to the next level and work with some of the best and brightest in the industry, we want to hear from you. Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the communities where we live and work. We are an organization built on integrity and we have a culture that empowers people, embraces diversity, and inspires everyone to do their best. As one of the largest EMPLOYEE-OWNED electrical contractors in the United States, you will have the unique benefit of being a shareholder at a company that is experiencing tremendous growth and success. When our people succeed and fuel our success, we reward them. We'd love to have you as a shareholder!
YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY:
Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning, and testing of protection systems for electrical power networks. This role focuses on designing and applying protection strategies for medium and high-voltage systems serving mission critical, commercial, and industrial facilities. The position requires advanced technical expertise, the ability to work independently on complex protection challenges, and the capability to mentor and train other engineering staff.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Design, specification, setting calculation, and coordination of protective relaying and relay control schemes.
  • Develop protection schemes and relay settings for electrical equipment, including transformers, generators, transmission lines, feeders, and buses, in accordance with client requirements and system specifications.
  • Develop and configure protection relay settings, including overcurrent, differential, distance and backup protection relays.
  • Perform coordination studies to ensure proper relay operation and minimize system downtime during fault conditions.
  • Use power system modeling tools (e.g. ETAP, SKM, CAPE, ASPEN) to simulate and analyze protection systems, fault scenarios, and equipment ratings.
  • Conduct studies such as fault analysis, short circuit, AC and DC arc flash and harmonics studies.
  • Support field testing, commissioning, and validation of protection relays and control systems to ensure proper operation and compliance with project requirements.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot relay protection issues, perform root cause analysis, and develop corrective actions for mis-operations or unexpected trips.
  • Collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure the successful implementation of protection systems.
  • Prepare technical documentation, including relay settings, test reports, system protection studies, and coordination diagrams.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., IEEE, IEC, NEC, NFPA 70E, NERC).
  • Act as a proactive technical leader, guiding project teams, solving complex protection challenges, and supporting project execution across all phases from design through commissioning.

WHAT YOU BRING TO US:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with a power systems focus.
  • 6+ years relevant application experience in protection and relay settings for electric power systems supporting mission critical infrastructure, commercial and industrial facilities and substations.
  • A U.S.-based Professional Engineer (PE) registration is required.
  • High proficiency with power system modeling tools such as ETAP, SKM, ASPEN, and CAPE.
  • Applied knowledge and experience of Power system Protection on: Overcurrent / Over-Undervoltage, Transformer Differential, High and Low Impedance Busbar Differential, Generator Protection, Motor Protection, and Medium/High Voltage Line Differential and Distance Protection.
  • Strong experience developing protection schemes and relay settings for redundant power architectures supporting data centers and other mission critical facilities.
  • High proficiency in relay settings development and programming for SEL, Siemens, and GE protective relays.
  • Experience developing and managing relay settings files using vendor software such as SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
  • Strong leadership, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to identify and apply appropriate software tools to support complex engineering analysis.
  • Proven ability to manage

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
  • Advanced experience using Mathcad and Microsoft Excel for developing protective setting calculation sheets.
  • Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards, particularly PRC-019/023/024/025/026/027
  • Experience with commonly utilized communication protocols (DNP, SEL, MMS, Modbus, etc).
  • Working Knowledge of IEC 61850 (GOOSE, MMS, SV) and its application in modern substations and mission critical facilities.
  • Experience designing and supporting protection systems for redundant power topologies (e.g., N, N+1, 2N) common to data center electrical systems.
  • Proven ability to lead small to mid-size projects, including management of schedules, budgets, staffing, and technical execution.
  • Experience supporting proposal development including scope of work, level of work, engineering estimates, and schedule.
  • Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated interest in training and developing early career engineers.
  • Demonstrated success managing complex protection engineering tasks within multidisciplinary, fast-paced project environments.

TRAVEL:
  • Up to 50% (Does not include local field visits)

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions, such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning
  • Noise level is usually low to medium
  • Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
  • We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions.

YOU Matter - Our Benefits
  • ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership
  • 401K
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement
  • 17 PTO days per year plus 10 paid holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Protection Insurance
  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)
  • Charitable Giving Match with our Rosendin Foundation

Our success is rooted in our people. We all come together around long-term vision and a sense of shared ownership. As a group, we do whatever it takes to ensure the success of our business...and your career.
Rosendin Electric is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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