ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GW Electric

$95K - $125K/yr

Technical lead and programmer for the integration of power grid automation solutions; managing ... Apply advanced product knowledge of relay protection, automation, and communication in power grid ...

GAI Consultants

Senior Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/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 ...

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but ... Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRelay Protection Engineer JobsRelay Protection Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Relay Protection Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$65.4K

$114.4K

$178.3K

How much do relay protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay protection engineer in Illinois is $114,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Relay Protection Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay protection principles, often supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with protection relay test equipment, power system simulation software (such as ETAP or SEL), and familiarity with industry standards like IEEE and NERC are commonly required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills enable accurate system protection designs, reliable operation, and clear collaboration with operations and maintenance teams to ensure electrical grid reliability.

What is the meaning of the word relay?

In the context of a Relay Protection Engineer, a relay is an electrical device that detects faults or abnormal conditions in power systems and automatically triggers circuit breakers to isolate the problem. Relays are essential for protecting equipment and maintaining system stability, often requiring knowledge of electrical circuits and control systems. Proper relay settings and testing are critical skills for this role.

What is the movie relay about summary?

A relay protection engineer focuses on designing and maintaining relay systems that protect electrical power systems from faults. The role involves understanding electrical circuits, troubleshooting relay devices, and ensuring system reliability, often requiring knowledge of protective relays, control systems, and industry standards.

What is the definition of a relay?

A relay is an electrical device used in relay protection engineering to detect faults and automatically disconnect faulty sections of a power system. It operates by sensing electrical conditions such as current or voltage and triggering circuit breakers to isolate issues, ensuring system stability and safety. Proper understanding of relay types and settings is essential for relay protection engineers to design effective protection schemes.

Who is relay parcel delivery?

A relay protection engineer is a professional who designs, tests, and maintains relay protection systems used in electrical power grids to prevent equipment damage and ensure system stability. They work with protective relays, control systems, and automation tools to coordinate the operation of circuit breakers and other devices during faults or abnormal conditions.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Relay Protection Engineer?

A Relay Protection Engineer's daily tasks often include reviewing and designing protection schemes for substations and transmission lines, configuring and testing relay settings, and analyzing system events or faults to determine causes and solutions. They may also be responsible for drafting technical reports and documentation, coordinating with other engineers and field technicians, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards. Team collaboration is frequent, as projects often require input from system planning, operations, and maintenance staff. On-the-job learning is ongoing, with opportunities to work on diverse projects and advance into specialized roles or leadership positions over time.

What is a Relay Protection Engineer job?

A Relay Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining protective relay systems used in power grids to ensure electrical equipment operates safely and reliably. They analyze system faults, coordinate relay settings, and troubleshoot failures to prevent damage to transformers, generators, and transmission lines. Their role involves working with utilities, industrial plants, and substations to enhance power system stability and efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Electrical Engineer - Substation Design

Electrical Engineer - Substation Design

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Springfield, IL • On-site, Remote

$147K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Hanson Values
Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation
If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.
Electrical Engineer - Substation Design
Position: Full-Time
Location: Any (Florida and Illinois preferred)
Licensing: Professional Engineer (PE) Required
About the Role
Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Substation Design to support power delivery projects for utility, municipal, and industrial clients. This senior-level role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer with extensive experience in high-voltage substations, including physical layout, protection and control coordination, and interdisciplinary design integration.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and direct experience working with transmission and distribution (T&D) utilities or power companies.
Key Responsibilities
Substation Engineering & Design
  • Lead the design of new, expanded, and upgraded electrical substations (typically 69kV through 500kV).
  • Develop and review substation designs including:
  • Physical layouts and general arrangements
  • Bus configurations and equipment arrangement
  • Grounding systems and lightning protection
  • Raceway and cable schedules
  • Equipment foundations and integration with civil/structural designs
  • Perform and review electrical calculations, including:
  • Ground grid analysis
  • Short-circuit and relay coordination support
  • AC/DC system design
  • Prepare construction drawings, technical specifications, design reports, and material lists.

Protection, Control & Systems Coordination
  • Coordinate substation design with protection and control engineers, SCADA, and communications teams.
  • Support breaker, transformer, relay, and protection scheme selection and integration.
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable utility standards and power system requirements.

Project Leadership & Technical Oversight
  • Serve as lead engineer or technical authority on substation projects.
  • Provide quality control reviews of drawings, calculations, and specifications.
  • Collaborate with civil, structural, geotechnical, transmission line, and environmental teams.
  • Support project managers with:
  • Scope development
  • Cost estimating
  • Scheduling and risk identification
  • Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Industry Tools & Standards
  • Apply applicable industry codes and standards, including:
  • IEEE
  • NESC
  • NFPA (including NEC)
  • ANSI
  • Utility-specific design criteria
  • Utilize industry-standard software and tools, such as:
  • AutoCAD or MicroStation
  • SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower
  • Ground grid and fault analysis tools
  • Maintain awareness of current substation construction methods, safety requirements, and materials.

Client & Field Support
  • Work directly with electric utilities, power providers, and industrial clients.
  • Support construction activities through:
  • Review of contractor submittals
  • Responses to RFIs
  • Site visits and field observations
  • Ensure design intent is effectively communicated and implemented in the field.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (required at hire).
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in substation or power delivery engineering.
  • Prior experience working with:
  • Electric utilities
  • Transmission and distribution companies
  • Power industry clients
  • Strong understanding of substation equipment, protection philosophies, and utility standards.
  • Proven ability to lead technical tasks and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with EPC or owner engineer utility project delivery models.
  • Experience with HV/EHV substations (230kV and above).
  • Familiarity with relay protection concepts and SCADA integration.
  • Experience developing proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
  • Prior experience mentoring junior staff or acting in a technical lead role.

Soft Skills & Competencies
  • High level of technical judgment and attention to detail
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills
  • Client focused mindset
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Working at Hanson
  • Employee-owned firm offering career growth and long-term stability
  • Collaborative culture across multiple disciplines and offices
  • Willingness to support occasional site visits and travel
  • Valid driver's license required

Salary Range: $147,000-$175,000
Benefits
Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Comprehensive health & well-being plans
  • Financial wellness plans
  • Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visit our benefits page for all the details.
Culture
We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:
  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Leadership training
  • Lunch & learn development sessions
  • 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Award-winning internship program
  • Employee recognition
  • And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies/staffing firms. Resumes are only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.

Apply