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Relay Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest. Job Scope: * Influences project ...

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest. Job Scope: * Influences project ...

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest. Job Scope * Influences project ...

General Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Review and analyze protective relay event records to determine fault type and protective relay ... of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest. Job Scope: * Influences project ...

Showing results 41-60

Relay Tech information

See Illinois salary details

$51.4K

$90.4K

$114.3K

How much do relay tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for relay tech in Illinois is $90,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $103,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relay tech?

Relay techs, or relay technicians, are specialized professionals who install, test, maintain, and repair protective relays and associated equipment in electrical power systems. Their work ensures the reliability and safety of power grids by detecting faults and isolating problem areas to prevent damage or outages. Relay techs often work for utility companies, industrial plants, or electrical service firms, and their role is crucial in preventing widespread electrical failures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a relay tech?

To thrive as a Relay Tech, you need a solid understanding of electrical theory, protective relaying, and troubleshooting, often supported by an associate degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment such as relay test sets, SCADA systems, and relevant industry certifications like NETA or NICET is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical power systems and to prevent costly outages or equipment failures.

What are common challenges faced by relay techs, and how can they be managed?

Relay Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex protection schemes, working under tight outage schedules, and adapting to rapidly advancing technology. These challenges can be managed by staying current with industry training, collaborating closely with engineers and other technicians, and maintaining detailed documentation of test results and relay settings. A proactive approach to problem-solving, combined with strong communication skills and a commitment to safety protocols, helps ensure successful project completion and minimizes downtime.

What is the difference between Relay Tech vs Network Technician?

AspectRelay TechNetwork Technician
Required CertificationsCompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, installation sites, service callsOffice and on-site troubleshooting, network setup
Industry UsageTelecommunications, cable providers, internet service providersIT companies, corporate networks, service providers

Relay Techs and Network Technicians share certifications like CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA, work in similar environments involving network setup and maintenance, and are employed in telecommunications and IT industries. However, Relay Techs focus more on field installation and service for communication systems, while Network Technicians often handle broader network troubleshooting and configuration in office or data center settings.

How do I become a relay technician?

To become a relay technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in electrical systems or electronics. Relevant skills include understanding electrical circuits, troubleshooting, and using tools like multimeters; certifications such as OSHA safety training or electrical technician certifications can also improve job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Relay Tech jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Relay Tech jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Relay Tech jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Relay Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Relay Tech job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,366 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Electrical Wiring Technologies Designer 1 - Energy & Industrial

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$58K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description
  • This position will offer you the opportunity to work  in a project team environment in the design, modification, and/or upgrade of new and existing power plant electrical systems
  • Under the direction of the Electrical Project Lead, you will work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in the development of the following:
    • Single-line diagrams
    • Relay and metering diagrams
    • AC and DC schematic diagrams
    • Synchronizing diagrams
    • Point to point wiring diagrams
    • Cable schedules
  • You will produce electrical wiring drawings, and review and incorporate vendor drawings into the overall project design.
  • There will be opportunities to accompany and assist in field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities. 

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • An Associates Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and equivalent technical design experience.
  • Three (3) or more years of detailed wiring design experience in the development of single-line, and relay and metering diagrams, including medium-voltage and 480V systems.
  • Familiarity with digital control systems.
  • The ability to perform the following:
    • Produce wiring diagrams and schematics for installers and electricians
    • Assist engineers with initial design requirements
    • Conceptualize plans and details to accurately convey wiring termination requirements
    • Extensive AutoCAD and/or Microstation design experience on power plants or large facility projects
    • A thorough understanding of drafting and design practices and theories
    • The ability to interface and communicate with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process

Preferred, but not required experience:

  • A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) or a related engineering technology discipline is preferred and may be considered in lieu of the required experience.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$58,925 - $84,728Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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