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Senior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs in Addison, IL

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Perform installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of protective relaying equipment.

Lead Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

Lead Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $139K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Protective Relay Engineer information

See Addison, IL salary details

$59.6K

$126.8K

$183.8K

How much do senior protective relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protective relay engineer in Addison, IL is $126,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $143,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protective Relay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protective Relay Engineer, you need a deep understanding of power system protection, relay coordination, and a degree in electrical engineering, often paired with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with relay testing equipment, industry-standard software like SEL AcSELerator, and familiarity with SCADA and microprocessor-based relays are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring electrical grid reliability, system safety, and successful project delivery in complex utility environments.

What does a Senior Protective Relay Engineer do?

A Senior Protective Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining protective relaying systems used to detect electrical faults and protect power systems. They analyze system requirements, develop relay settings, and ensure the correct operation of protective devices to prevent equipment damage and ensure safety. These engineers often lead teams, oversee relay installation and commissioning, and troubleshoot complex issues within substations and transmission systems. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining reliable and safe electrical power delivery.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Protective Relay Engineers during system upgrades or retrofits?

Senior Protective Relay Engineers often encounter challenges when managing system upgrades or retrofits, such as integrating new relay technologies with existing infrastructure and ensuring minimal downtime during transitions. Coordinating with other engineering teams, utility operations, and field technicians is essential to resolve compatibility issues and maintain system reliability. Additionally, staying current with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements is crucial to ensure all protection schemes remain compliant and effective.

What is the difference between Senior Protective Relay Engineer vs Protective Relay Engineer?

AspectSenior Protective Relay EngineerProtective Relay Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; certifications like IEEE or NETABachelor's degree in electrical engineering; certifications like IEEE or NETA
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting protective relay systems in power substations or utility companiesAssist in relay system installation, testing, and maintenance in power plants or utilities
Industry UsageUsed in utility companies, power generation, and transmission sectorsCommonly employed in similar settings, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Protective Relay Engineer and a Protective Relay Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior engineers typically lead projects, perform complex analysis, and mentor junior staff, while Protective Relay Engineers focus on supporting relay system installation and testing. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments within the power industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Addison, IL? The most popular types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Addison, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Addison, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in Addison, IL are:
What cities near Addison, IL are hiring for Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs? Cities near Addison, IL with the most Senior Protective Relay Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Protective Relay Engineer job openings in Addison, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,793 per year, or $61 per hour.
General Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

General Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

ComEd

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


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 
  • Participates in department planning, through field/site walkdowns, attend meetings/conference calls, provide budget recommendations and monitor performance for the accomplishment of committed results. 
  • 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. 
  • Provides detailed technical training, mentorship, peer review, and/or guidance to others.
Job Scope:
  • Influences project decisions having a moderate impact on the company that may include leading employees or contractors in the commissioning of electrical systems and equipment to be placed On System.
  • 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)
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches and engineering theory
  • Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of complex field test equipment.
  • 4-7 years of professional engineering experience (1) (3) (See Note).
  • Broad knowledge and experience with regulations, guides, standards, codes methods, practices, and advanced engineering principles necessary to perform very complex or unique assignments for a specific
  • Minimum of two related career experiences (4) (i.e., changes in technical job responsibilities, which may or may not include a change in department) OR
  • Engineer in Training OR
  • 50% complete (by hours) with advanced technical degree, M.B.A. 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
  • Possess Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification and/or 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: $92,000.00/Yr. – $126,500.00/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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