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Protective Relay Engineer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Analyze relay settings, logic, and protection schemes to ensure proper system performance ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

Analyze relay settings, protection logic, and system performance. * Conduct end-to-end relay ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, and junior engineers in protection and control practices. * Provide mentorship and technical leadership to field personnel. * Interface directly with ...

Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, and junior engineers in protection and control practices. * Provide mentorship and technical leadership to field personnel. * Interface directly with ...

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Protective Relay Engineer information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$60.5K

$103.2K

$203.5K

How much do protective relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective relay engineer in Minneapolis, MN is $103,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a protective relay engineer?

A Protective Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining protective relay systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They analyze system performance, program relay settings, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Their work helps prevent power outages, improve system reliability, and protect assets from damage.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a protective relay engineer?

A typical day for a Protective Relay Engineer involves designing, testing, and maintaining protective relay systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment. You may analyze system data, implement relay settings, coordinate with project managers and field technicians, and troubleshoot any protection scheme issues that arise. Much of the work includes both office-based design tasks and occasional site visits for commissioning or maintenance support. Collaboration with other engineers, clients, and utility representatives is common to ensure projects meet regulatory and operational standards. This role offers a dynamic blend of technical problem-solving and teamwork within the energy sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protective relay engineer?

To thrive as a Protective Relay Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and relay protection, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with relay testing equipment, CAD or relay design software, and familiarity with industry standards such as IEEE and NERC is often required, as are certifications like PE licensure. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, minimize power outages, and enable successful coordination with utilities and project stakeholders.

What are popular job titles related to Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN?

For Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:

Infographic showing various Protective Relay Engineer job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Sr Relay Technician

Actalent

Brooklyn Park, MN

$30 - $60/hr

Contractor, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Sr. Relay TechnicianLead Critical Substation Commissioning & Protection Projects

We're seeking an experienced Sr. Relay Technician to lead the testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of protective relay systems across utility and industrial power facilities. In this role, you'll serve as the lead technical authority on-site, ensuring protection and control systems operate safely and reliably while supporting critical infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead relay testing, commissioning, and start-up activities for substations and power systems.
  • Test, troubleshoot, and maintain protective relays and associated control circuits.
  • Analyze relay settings, logic, and protection schemes to ensure proper system performance.
  • Perform end-to-end relay testing, fault simulations, and settings verification.
  • Support SCADA integration, fiber communications, Modbus, and related control systems.
  • Troubleshoot complex protection and control issues at both device and system levels.
  • Develop testing procedures, commissioning documentation, and best practices.
  • Serve as the primary technical resource for customers, project teams, and field personnel.
  • Mentor junior technicians and provide technical leadership in the field.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in relay testing, protection and control, or substation commissioning.
  • Strong experience with SEL, GE, or similar protective relay platforms.
  • Expertise in relay settings, logic analysis, and protection schemes.
  • Experience commissioning substations and utility-scale electrical infrastructure.
  • Knowledge of SCADA, Modbus, fiber communications, and substation controls.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, one-line diagrams, and control drawings.
  • Proven leadership experience on commissioning projects.
  • NETA II-IV or NICET certification required (NETA III/IV preferred).
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the region.
Why Join Us?
  • Work on complex, utility-scale power infrastructure projects.
  • Lead commissioning efforts and serve as a recognized technical expert.
  • Gain exposure to advanced relay protection, automation, and communication systems.
  • Competitive compensation, overtime opportunities, per diem, and travel expenses covered.
  • Strong opportunities for career growth into Lead Technician and Subject Matter Expert roles.
Work Environment

This is a travel-intensive regional role supporting substations, industrial facilities, and utility environments. You'll perform hands-on testing and commissioning in the field while working with advanced protection systems, SCADA networks, and modern grid technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Brooklyn Park, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brooklyn Park,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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