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Relay Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 ...

Description 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 ...

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

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

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

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

Senior Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$103K - $141.50K/yr

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

Senior Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$106K - $138.10K/yr

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

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

Perform Engineering support tasks such as relay burden, lighting, load flow, and short circuit calculations with minimal supervision * Apply engineering application software to complete engineering ...

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

Perform Engineering support tasks such as relay burden, lighting, load flow, and short circuit calculations with minimal supervision * Apply engineering application software to complete engineering ...

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices. * Knowledge of complex field test ...

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Showing results 1-20

Relay Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$59.7K

$101.9K

$200.9K

How much do relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay engineer in Chicago, IL is $101,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Relay Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 27% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,884 per year, or $49 per hour.
Relay Settings Engineer 2

Relay Settings Engineer 2

GAI Consultants Inc.

Lisle, IL • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer 2 with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and/or protection and control engineering project including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on "Client First" approach to all interactions.

We value work-life balance and offer flexibility - this position can be performed in a hybrid or fully remote capacity. #Hybrid, #Remote, #INDHP, #LI-KH

Job Duties:

  • Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and others. For both transmission line relays (line differential, Step distance and Pilot Schemes) and Substation relays (Capacitor Banks, Transformers and Buses)
  • Conduct short circuit analysis and relay coordination studies using Aspen OneLiner and/or PSS CAPE.
  • Utilize SEL AcSELerator Quickset and GE EnerVista software
  • Implementation of control and protection schemes including interpreting schematics and wiring diagrams and preparing relay logic to complete the schemes.
  • Perform QA/QC checks of deliverables designed or checked deliverables.
  • Mentoring and managing staff at all levels.
  • Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
  • Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
  • Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.

General Characteristics

  • Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
  • Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Leads tasks and projects of moderately complex scopes.
  • Develops plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Selects appropriate principles of engineering economics, and probability and statistics to analyze risk in a complex engineering problem.

Travel

  • 10% Travel to Client office or site for project meetings.

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 6+ Years of Experience

Education

  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License
  • If you do not have a P.E, please view our open Technical Specialist or EIT positions.

Technical Responsibilities

  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process.
  • Prepares complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Designs and conducts analyses and interprets test data.
  • Begins to develop and reviews complete project documents for conformity and quality assurance.

Project and Task Management

  • Assigns tasks to other technical and non-technical staff.
  • Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work.
  • Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
  • Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects or projects.

Management Responsibility

  • Receives general direction on key objectives. Receives guidance on unconventional/complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.
  • Mentors junior staff by providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
  • Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments.

Communication Skills

  • Communicates effectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Why GAI?

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that's committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

  • Competitive salary -GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire)
  • New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program
  • Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
  • 401k company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement

#INDHP

Qualifications

Education
Bachelors of Engineering (required)

Experience
6 years: Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and others. For both transmission line relays (line differential, Step distance and Pilot Schemes) and Substation relays (Capacitor Banks, Transformers and Buses) (required)

Licenses & Certifications
Professional Engineer (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


GAI Consultants logo

About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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