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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform ... Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points. * Perform ...

Perform and review Relay programming for multiple platforms including SEL, GE, ABB, Basler, Siemens ... Perform Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting for complex power system issues. Develop scope, price ...

Perform and review Relay programming for multiple platforms including SEL, GE, ABB, Basler, Siemens ... Perform Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting for complex power system issues. Develop scope, price ...

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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 Jun 4, 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:
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
System Protection Engineer IV

System Protection Engineer IV

TRC Companies, Inc.

Matthews, NC • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


TRC Companies rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

About Us
Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer.
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs -- so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.
Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
Overview
TRC's System Protection Department is seeking a Lead System Protection Engineer (Engineer IV) who will be responsible for leading the relay settings engineering aspects of electrical grid projects. Projects may include protective relay settings for transmission, distribution, and generation systems with emphasis on safety and quality. Strong experience in development of protective relay setting including related documentation (such as setting basis and protection logic diagrams), relay coordination studies, relay settings philosophy theories, IEEE standards, NERC PRC standards, and industry accepted practices is required.
The candidate must be able to understand and follow client requirements as well as internal company quality assurance and quality control practices. The Lead System Protection Engineer responsibilities also include performing technical reviews on assigned projects and serving as the primary interface with clients and other internal company departments. In addition, they will collaborate with external consultants, contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers to resolve technical issues. Candidate will be responsible for working closely with other engineering and project management team members to coordinate overall project deliverables and be responsible for helping maintain project budgets and schedules. TRC's System Protection Department operates in a team-oriented environment to deliver quality protection relay settings schemes for a diverse range of utility clients.
Responsibilities
  • Programming relays to provide adequate system protection for various equipment in the electrical grid.
  • Serve as lead engineer for the relay settings portion of assigned projects.
  • Conduct various power system related studies such as CT performance evaluations, short circuit studies, impact and feasibility studies.
  • Perform detailed quality checks on project deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
  • Perform owner's engineering activities for utility clients.
  • Develop protection settings standards and templates for clients to streamline relay settings processes.
  • Provide technical guidance and solutions to meet client goals related to relay settings and protection schemes.
  • Take a leadership role in resolving problems as well as developing procedures and methods working with clients, TRC personnel, contractors, and suppliers.
  • Prepare and/or reviews project scopes and concepts to ensure alignment with client expectations.
  • Promote efficient flow of information and ensure complete and accurate record keeping.
  • Lead project planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities.
  • Report on project status and progress to management regularly.
  • Ensure the effective technical support of department needs and requirements.
  • Represent TRC and its clients on technical matters at various forums and meetings
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers by assisting in their professional growth development of other engineers.
  • Assist with internal training.
  • Provide assistance to field personnel during relay testing and commissioning, answering questions and ensuring the test results are acceptable.
  • Attends industry meetings and conferences, as necessary, to keep informed of technical development in the power industry.
  • Possesses the ability to understand relay settings templates and when necessary, develop and/or modify templates/standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in protection and control engineering and relay settings is required; 10+ years of experience is preferred.
  • Strong, demonstrated knowledge of protective relay engineering principles and practices.
  • Experience with short circuit modeling tools such as ASPEN and CAPE.

Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
  • 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
  • Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
  • All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
  • TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company's annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
Disclaimers
TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC's career site.
TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.
Salary Range
USD $125,000.00 - USD $145,000.00 /Yr.

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