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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luxus

Senior Electrical Relay Engineer

Overland Park, KS · On-site +1

$125K - $185K/yr

Advanced Power System Studies: Perform rigorous short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protective ... Relay Logic & Programming: Program, configure, and validate SEL relays, developing custom ...

Luxus

Senior Electrical Relay Engineer

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Advanced Power System Studies: Perform rigorous short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protective ... Relay Logic & Programming: Program, configure, and validate SEL relays, developing custom ...

HDR

System Protection and Studies Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

HDR

System Protection and Studies Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

EPS

Systems Protection Group Engineer IV

Richardson, TX · On-site +1

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 ...

EPS

Systems Protection Group Engineer IV

Richardson, TX · On-site

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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All JobsPower System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs

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 26, 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:
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Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,702 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Senior Power Systems Protection Engineer

Electric Power Systems Inc

Olympia, WA • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Us

Electric Power Systems, Inc. is a unique company offering a wide range of experience and education in the area of power system operations, design, consultation and studies. We provide extensive services from planning studies, design and construction, to periodic testing and maintenance. We are currently seeking a skilled Electrical Engineer with a passion for protective relaying and power system analysis to join our Anchorage, Alaska or Olympia, Washington team.

Responsibilities

You’ll play a key role in high-impact projects involving the design and analysis of electrical protection systems, including:

  • Conducting protection and coordination studies for transmission and distribution systems (5kV–230kV)
  • Developing relay configuration files for substations and small-to-medium generation systems
  • Performing short circuit and arc flash hazard studies
  • Analyzing event reports and test results, and supporting field commissioning efforts
  • Creating detailed protection design drawings and technical documentation
  • Leading your own projects, from kickoff to closeout—tracking data, coordinating with clients, and managing timelines

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
  • 5+ years of experience in power system protection and control
  • Strong knowledge of protective relay theory and application (SEL, GE Multilin, etc.)
  • PE license preferred (or ability to obtain it within a reasonable time frame)
  • Experience with short circuit modeling tools (e.g., ETAP, SKM, ASPEN) is a plus
  • Clear communication skills, with the ability to write technical reports and lead client discussions

Benefits

We offer a competitive total compensation package, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with a non-elective safe harbor contribution
  • Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays
  • Health Club Membership
  • Optional Supplemental Insurance such as vision, hospital confinement, accident, etc.
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Electric Power Systems, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage qualified individuals of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, veteran statuses, and abilities to apply.

Note: This is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

#epsinc