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Protective Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... protective relay systems in electrical substations with minimal supervision. This role involves using specialized relay testing equipment to ensure system reliability and compliance with engineering ...

... protective relay systems in electrical substations with minimal supervision. This role involves using specialized relay testing equipment to ensure system reliability and compliance with engineering ...

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

Schedules, coordinates, and instructs SCADA and protective relaying training, as needed. * Write ... OR Bachelors of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, Technology or related area and four (4) ...

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Protective Relay Engineer information

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$58K

$98.9K

$195K

How much do protective relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective relay engineer in the United States is $98,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protective Relay Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 is a Protective Relay Engineer job?

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.

More about Protective Relay Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Protective Relay Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Protective Relay Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Protective Relay Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Protective Relay Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Protective 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 $98,903 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Relay Settings Engineer II

Relay Settings Engineer II

Mesa Associates Inc.

Chattanooga, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa seeks an experienced Relay Settings Engineer that is looking to further their career in the electric power industry. This position is for our Power Delivery Substation group which supports various clients across the United States.

What We’re Looking for

  • Engineer with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (ABET Accredited), preferably a master’s degree with an emphasis in Power Systems.
  • 6+ Years Engineering experience
  • Fast learner – You can pick up new concepts, standards, and software quickly.
  • Self-starter – You’ll get direction from senior engineers, but you’re comfortable hunting down answers on your own when the path isn’t obvious.
  • Detail Oriented – You are capable of ensuring all the details necessary to complete a task are addressed properly.
  • Solid understanding of fundamentals – Ohm’s law, single-phase systems, three-phase power systems, and digital logic.
  • Clear communicator – You feel comfortable reaching out to others with questions and can communicate professionally face-to-face, on the phone, and over email.
  • Professional Engineering licensure.
  • Experience with Design Software – Aspen Oneliner, SEL AcSELerator, AutoCAD/MicroStation, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, etc.
  • Experience Protection Schemes– Including overcurrent, differential, distance protection, and pilot protection schemes.
  • Experience with Relay Settings – including development of relay settings files including logic

       

      What You’ll Learn

      • Project ownership - The process for leading a project’s design from concept to close-out; aiming for schedule and cost targets.
      • Leadership - Guiding junior engineers on drafting standards, calculation methods, and best-practice workflows.
      • Professional communication - Presenting design rationale and progress updates to clients, senior management, and cross-functional teams.

      What You’ll Do

      • Work on a team of drafters, designers, and engineers
      • Create conceptual protection scheme drawings
      • Perform relay coordination studies
      • Create relay settings files
      • Coordinate with other engineering disciplines
      • Maintain quality assurance standards by completing client and internal checklists
      • Perform peer-review of designs
      • Supervise less experienced engineers or technical support personnel on an assignment basis

         

        What You’ll Earn

        • Paid Time Off
        • Holiday Pay – 10 Days Annually
        • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
        • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
        • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
        • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
        • 401(K) Matching Contribution
        • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
        • Long Term Care Insurance
        • Tuition Reimbursement
        • Fitness Center Reimbursement
        • Annual Performance Bonus
        • 9/80 Work Schedule Option

        Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.