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Power System Protection Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Power System Protection Technician information

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$15

$27

$42

How much do power system protection technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for power system protection technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power system protection technician?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Technician, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or technology, typically supported by an associate degree or technical diploma and relevant experience. Familiarity with protective relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry certifications like NETA or IEC 61850 is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficient operation of electrical power systems.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Technician vs Power Distribution Technician?

AspectPower System Protection TechnicianPower Distribution Technician
CertificationsElectrical certifications, relay technician licensesElectrical licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentSubstations, control centers, high-voltage systemsDistribution lines, transformers, residential/commercial areas
Industry UsagePower utilities, transmission companiesUtility companies, construction firms
Job FocusProtecting electrical systems, troubleshooting relaysInstalling, maintaining distribution infrastructure

The Power System Protection Technician primarily focuses on safeguarding electrical systems and troubleshooting relays within substations and high-voltage environments. In contrast, the Power Distribution Technician handles the installation and maintenance of distribution lines and transformers in residential and commercial areas. Both roles require electrical certifications and are vital in the power industry, but they differ in scope and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by power system protection technicians in the field?

Power System Protection Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex relay systems, working in high-voltage environments, and responding quickly to power outages or faults. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical diagrams under pressure. Additionally, technicians must stay updated with evolving protection technologies and standards, making ongoing training and adaptability essential for success.

What does a power system protection technician do?

A Power System Protection Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing the protection systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults and abnormal conditions. These technicians work with relays, circuit breakers, and other protective devices to ensure the safety and reliability of power distribution. Their role is crucial in preventing damage to equipment, minimizing outages, and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid.
More about Power System Protection Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

We areseekinga skilled,passionateand dedicated Protection Engineer to join our SEL Engineering Services team.As a Power System Protection Engineer, you willbe responsible forensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems by designing, testing, implementing, and effective protection and control schemes. Yourexpertisein relay protection and controls, relay coordination, and power systems will provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As aProtection Engineer, a typical day might include the following:

  • Design, develop, and implement protection and control schemes for power systems, including relay protection and control systems.

  • Create protective relay settings for transmission & distribution utilities, substations, and industrial clients.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and technicians, to assess system requirements and implement protection strategies accordingly.

  • Work alongside industry-recognized protection experts while developingexpertisein advanced relay technologies, automation systems, transmission protection, and utility modernization initiatives.

  • Perform system testing and commissioning activities tovalidatethe functionality and performance of protection schemes.

  • Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.

This job might be for you if:

  • You have a B.S.or M.S.degree in electrical engineering or relevant discipline

  • You have a strong understanding of power system protection principles, relay protection and control schemes, and relay coordination techniques.

  • You are familiar with relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, IEC, and NERC/FERC regulations.

  • You have proven experience in designing and implementing protection and control schemes in a utility or industrial setting.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex power system protection challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Possesses,understandsandappliesthe fundamental concepts,practicesand procedures ofpower system protection and related SEL products.

  • Train andassistcustomers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation,commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.

  • Complete and implement assigned work within agreed upon scope,scheduleand budget toa high levelof quality and safety.

  • Participate in the preparation of functional design specifications.

  • Prepare andmaintaindetailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.

  • Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World ClassManufacturing Principles.

  • Understand. Create. Simplify.

  • Other duties as assigned.
    Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline

  • 3+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and protection design practices and philosophies

  • Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control

  • Working knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications

  • Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area

  • Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills

  • Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities

  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

  • Background check results satisfactory to SEL

  • Negative drug testresult(s)


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification

  • Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience

  • Project engineering experience

  • Experience developing ac/dc schematics, single line diagrams, wiring diagrams for protection and control applications

  • Experience developing settings configuration files for SEL devicesusingAcSELeratorQuickSet

Don'tmiss this opportunity to make a difference in the electrical power industry. Join Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and help shape the future of critical infrastructure!

Location Information:

  • Houston, TX-This position is located in Houston, TX. Ranked America's fourth largest city, whatever your interest you will find it here. Enjoy sports teams, world class dining, and first rate entertainment. Enjoy signature Houston attractions like Space Center Houston and The Grand Opera. Escape the city with easy beach access just one hour away. Houston offers exceptional schools and universities, making it a great place to live and work.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

New hires generally start between $110,000 - 175,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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