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Relay Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Relay Technician II About The Company ... Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ...

Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers. * Execute ... element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems. * Perform ...

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $100/hr

Senior Relay Technician Location: Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA (Travel Required) Job Type: Contract ... Lead field crews and provide technical mentorship to junior technicians and engineers * Interface ...

Experienced in electrical system studies, relay programming (SEL/Multilin) and arc flash evaluation. SKM PowerTools experience is preferred. * Ensures technical changes are managed appropriately with ...

Electrical Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Experienced in electrical system studies, relay programming (SEL/Multilin) and arc flash evaluation. * SKM PowerTools experience is preferred. * Ensures technical changes are managed appropriately ...

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Relay Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$59.8K

$102K

$201K

How much do relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay engineer in Chicago, IL is $101,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relay engineer?

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Relay Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,965 per year, or $49 per hour.

Sr Engineer - Relay and Protection Engineering

ComEd

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


ComEd rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are:

We're powering a cleaner, brighter future.
Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.
We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).
We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive.
In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career.
Are you in?

Primary Purpose:

T&S Relay Engineering is responsible for designing protection schemes for equipment within a substation.  Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but also transmission lines between substations (765kV, 345kV, 138kV, 69kV) and distribution lines (34kV, 12kV, 4kV).  In addition to these primary responsibilities, Relay Engineers are provided opportunities for leadership and professional development: Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working Groups and Committees; Drive Execution of Initiatives Requiring Interdepartmental Coordination; and Continual Enhancement of the Engineering Skillset. Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties:
  • Leads and performs assignments in specialized areas requiring extensive engineering expertise, requiring maintaining state-of-the-art engineering credential in the specialized technical area 
  • Leads and performs engineering tasks and projects associated with a critical or analytical engineering project or a small number of complex projects that require specialized knowledge in many areas, may include field testing, troubleshooting, and peer review 
  • Evaluates, develops, implements, and leads projects that have significant financial and operational impact, may also develop initial commissioning plans. Plans, writes, and performs tasks for documentation deliverables and projects: 
  • Provides detailed technical training, mentorship, peer review, and/or guidance to others 
  • Participates in department planning, through field/site walkdowns, attend meetings/conference calls, provide budget recommendations, and monitor performance for the accomplishment of committed results
  • May participate in technical and industry societies and committees to enhance knowledge of new technologies or issues in area of company interest
  • Performs assignments while acting independently, and may lead multi-discipline teams, may include providing direct oversight of contractors.
  • Serves as an expert in specialized area. 
  • Acts as an expert witness or provide expert opinions as required.
  • Provides recommendations to management and implements action plans to improve performance and cost effectiveness.
Job Scope:
  • Influences project decisions having a significant impact on the company.
  • Applies technical knowledge to help promote a safe work environment and to enhance customer satisfaction
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Licensed Professional Engineer (2) (3) Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches and engineering theory.
  • Detailed knowledge of applicable standards, codes methods, and practices unique to areas of expertise.
  • 7+ years of professional engineering experience (1) (3) (See Note 3. Thorough knowledge and experience in unique areas of engineering expertise.
  • Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to identify and resolve complex issues.
  • Minimum of three related career experiences (4) (i.e., changes in technical job responsibilities, which may or may not include a change in department) OR
  • Lead Member of a recognized industry committee OR
  • Professional Engineer's License (2), advanced technical degree, MBA or Project Management Certification (1) Master's degree in Engineering reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (2) License must be issued by the state in which you are practicing. (3) PE License reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (4) Career related experiences is defined as changes in technical job responsibilities and does not have to include a change in department.
  • Note: Items (1) and (3) are mutually inclusive, whereby the maximum experience requirement reduction is one (1) year (e.g., in the case of an employee with both a master's degree in Engineering AND a PE license, the minimum experience requirement would be reduced by one (1) year).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree (1) or Graduate level work in Engineering, Business Administration or Project Management Certification
  • Professional Engineer license (2) (3)
  • Strong teamwork, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with all management levels.
  • Strong written and oral communication/presentation skills, report generation & technical writing skills
Benefits:
  • Annual salary will vary based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $103,200.00/Yr. – $141,900.00/Yr.
  • Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 15%
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
  • Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program
  • And much more

Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.

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About ComEd

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ComEd began as the Western Edison Light Company, one of several companies owned by inventor and researcher Thomas Edison. In July 1892, another Edison employee moved to Chicago to run Edison's local company, Chicago Edison. Sam Insull had a sharp business mind and eagerly increased his knowledge of electricity. Through improved marketing and increased demand for electric lighting, Commonwealth Edison was born in September 1907. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd's service territory borders Iroquois County to the south (roughly Interstate 80), the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1907

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