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Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Ankeny, IA

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Ulteig

Substation Design Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site +1

$91K - $112K/yr

The Substation Design Engineer develops and reviews utility substation drawings, including General ... Knowledge of substation protection and control schemes a plus * Knowledge of basic relay settings a ...

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Relay Protection Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$63.4K

$110.9K

$172.8K

How much do relay protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay protection engineer in Iowa is $110,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,300.00 and $122,100.00 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 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you

Engineer III - Grid System Protection

Alliantenergy

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

Are you ready to take ownership of complex power system challenges? At Alliant Energy, you will join a company that is growing and investing in the future of energy, creating new opportunities for engineers to make an impact. As an Engineer III - Grid System Protection, you will design, program, and troubleshoot relay protection systems that keep the grid reliable and compliant. You will work alongside experienced engineers in a highly technical environment where your expertise drives real results. If you want hands-on work that directly affects grid performance, apply now


What you will do

  • Follows safety rules and practices to identify and correct unsafe conditions for self and team. Strives to identify problems and solutions and makes safety suggestions to assist in maintaining a safe work environment, uses tools and standards to design safety in operating and maintaining equipment.

  • Maintains an awareness of customer needs and expectations and proposes solutions. Is proactively involved in the identification and solution of problems falling within assigned area of responsibility.

  • Applies regulatory and organizational engineering standards; makes recommendations for changing processes and procedures.

  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge of electric utility system operations and maintenance practices with a focus on reliability and resiliency including risk assessment. Makes medium-risk decisions that involve direct application of technical knowledge with minimal guidance from supervisor.

  • Maintains communication and relationships with employees, business unit stakeholders, and contractors. Comfortable discussing technical issues with others from non-technical backgrounds.

  • Explains technical problems to internal stakeholders and accurately prepares detailed documents such as technical studies and project documentation.

  • Frequently uses critical thinking skills necessary to develop recommendations which provide technically sound, and the most cost-effective solutions applied to a specific problem.

  • Actively participates in the departmental budgeting and planning processes. Develops, with limited guidance, solutions to a system problem including moderately complex scopes of work with a cost estimate and sequence. Learns the basics of the property unit catalog and the difference between capital investments and O&M spend.

  • Performs or supports detailed engineering design and specification of protective microprocessor relay schemes, devices and settings to ensure protection of distribution and generation systems. Responsible for performing power system studies, system protection settings coordination, and SCADA programming on various projects (up to 345-kV voltage level).

  • Performs root cause analysis of system disturbances or outages and recommends corrective actions to enhance system reliability.

  • Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy's Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required


Required Experience

  • 5 years of related experience


Preferred Experience

  • Project management experience, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; may have expertise in a particular area of the discipline.


Other Requirements


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


Key Skills

  • Asset Life Cycle Management Continual Improvement Process Data Analysis Data Quality Management Electrical Engineering Grid Operations Management Outage Management Power Engineering Root Cause Analysis Standards Compliance Systems Performance Monitoring


Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range:

$85,000-$116,000

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.

All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.

Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.

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