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Relay Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

VA

$62K - $81K/yr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

VA

$32.69 - $49.04/hr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

VA

$45.12 - $56.39/hr

Conduct protective relay testing, calibration, and programming for various manufacturers. * Perform circuit breaker and switchgear testing, including timing tests, primary and secondary injection ...

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

This role focuses on Linux engineering, automation, compliance, and enhancing the security and ... and relay accomplishments to management. • Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Relay Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$57.5K

$98.1K

$193.3K

How much do relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay engineer in Virginia is $98,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $101,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Relay Engineer in the power utility industry?

As a Relay Engineer, your daily tasks often involve designing and reviewing protection schemes, performing relay settings calculations, and conducting testing or commissioning of relay systems at substations. You may also be responsible for analyzing relay operations during power system events, troubleshooting issues, and preparing technical reports or documentation. Many Relay Engineers work closely with field technicians, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless system integration and operational safety. The role may require both office-based design work and on-site fieldwork, depending on project needs.

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

A Relay Engineer requires solid knowledge of electrical engineering principles, relay protection schemes, and power system analysis, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering and relevant field experience. Familiarity with relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry-recognized certifications such as NETA or IEEE standards is highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure accurate design, installation, and maintenance of protection systems, which are critical for maintaining the reliability and safety of electrical networks.

What is a Relay Engineer job?

A Relay Engineer is responsible for the design, testing, and maintenance of protection and control systems for electrical power grids. They ensure that relays and protective devices function correctly to prevent faults and maintain system reliability. Their work involves analyzing system data, programming relays, and coordinating with utility companies to enhance power system stability.

Infographic showing various Relay Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 76% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,055 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Substation Protection and Control Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Richmond, VA • On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Richmond, VA, office is seeking a Substation Protection and Control (P&C) Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation protection and control projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing protection packages, relay one-line and three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams,  communications diagrams, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with cross discipline teams. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in utility protection and control standards, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation protection and control design for utility and renewable energy projects. Develop protection packages for transmission and distribution substations. Prepare AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay panel layouts, and interconnection drawings. Develop relay one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and logic diagrams. Design station service AC and DC systems associated with protection and control equipment. Perform quality control reviews on protection and control design projects. Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance. Create and review bills of materials for relay panels, control cabinets, communications equipment, and P&C systems. Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation P&C projects. Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to protection and control design. Support commissioning activities, relay testing, troubleshooting, and energization planning. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers. Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives. Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the Power Delivery team.

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCADE, MicroStation and Bluebeam.
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967