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Senior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Engineering Company

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Lead Protection & Control Engineer - Relay Settings

Reading, PA · Remote

$135K - $175K/yr

Senior level electrical engineering position focusing on the performance of both routine and ... Provides protection engineering and relay settings development using industry-standard software ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Leidos

Relay Settings Engineer

$57K - $104K/yr

We also have mid to senior level relay settings openings. What you'll be doing: * Work with protection engineers and perform quality reviews on relay setting packages. * Create logic diagrams for ...

Fort Point

RELAY SETTING ENGINEER

Reading, PA

Work with protection engineers and perform quality reviews of relay setting packages * Create logic diagrams for IEC 61850 substations * Prepare protective relay coordination studies * Develop relay ...

Leidos

Relay Settings Engineer

Framingham, MA · On-site +1

$57K - $104K/yr

We also have mid to senior level relay settings openings. What you'll be doing: * Work with protection engineers and perform quality reviews on relay setting packages. * Create logic diagrams for ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Albert Lea, MN · On-site

$55 - $90/hr

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

Saint Louis, MO · 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

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

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All JobsSenior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs

Senior Protective Relay Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protective relay engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 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.

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Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs near you
Principal (Relay) Engineer, PE

Principal (Relay) Engineer, PE

McCall Thomas Engineering Company, Inc.

Orangeburg, SC • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Senior Relay Engineer, PE (hybrid opportunity)
McCall Thomas Engineering Company, Inc. is seeking a senior-level Principal Engineer, PE with Relay experience.
Job Location: Hybrid with the requirement to work locally in the Orangeburg or Moncks Corner, SC office 20 hours per week.
Approximate salary range, depending on level of experience: $140,000 to $170,000
McCall-Thomas Engineering is a trusted leader in the Electrical and Telecommunications industry, committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions. With expertise in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electric Utility Services, and Field Operations, we provide comprehensive turn-key projects tailored to meet our clients' needs. McCall-Thomas Engineering we have been providing quality engineering and technical services since 1945.
A McCall-Thomas Principal Engineer, PE (Relay) will provide engineering and technical expertise to transmission and distribution substation engineering and design teams for the purpose of delivering safe, cost-effective, and quality engineering and design services. This role will entail both direct billable client work and project management support for projects. The employee will be expected to take initiative on discipline-specific work for projects, perform assigned engineering duties and manage project schedules and budgets. He or she will also support proposal development and project cost estimating.
Primary responsibilities for this role:
  • Research, investigate and evaluate new technological applications and materials to be used for the design of electrical substations
  • Develop project designs for transmission, distribution and generation electrical substations to include the specification and procurement of required equipment and materials
  • Develop substation ground grid designs
  • Provide power system and protection engineering services and technical assistance to clients
  • Assist field personnel with the installation of specified material
  • Perform soil resistivity tests and fall of potential tests using Syscal Jr.
  • Support factory acceptance testing, site testing & commissioning of substation equipment
  • Design and implement protective relay schemes
  • Analyze and troubleshoot relay system issues
  • Participate in system upgrades and modifications
  • Prepare technical reports and documentation
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems and their integration with relay protection
  • Coordinate with other engineers and technicians to ensure proper installation and operation of protective relays
  • Work with the Engineering Manager to define project objectives, prepare design estimates, and define project requirements and design approaches
  • Coordinate design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements
  • Identify, analyze, and resolve engineering, technical and design problems
  • Prepare thorough, timely, and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, and sketches that meet client requirements
  • Perform independent work as well as provide second tier independent review of work performed by others including calculations, drawing preparation, drawing accuracy, material BOM, and equipment specifications.
  • Interact with clients' engineering and technical teams on a regular basis; represent McCall-Thomas Engineering positively and professionally, and develop and maintain professional relationships with clients
  • Continually improve job-related engineering, technical and professional knowledge, skills, process development, and performance

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. This employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
What Will You Need (Candidates MUST meet the following minimum criteria for consideration):
  • Minimum 15+ years' Relay experience with an electric utility or engineering consulting firm
  • Eligibility to work in the US without sponsorship (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • PE license required within 90 days
  • Valid driver's license with clean driving record

What We Offer:
At McCall-Thomas, we offer employees the chance to work with great people on exciting projects, with opportunity for growth. We also provide a full range of benefits for employees, such as:
  • Competitive compensation
  • 100% company-paid medical insurance premium
  • Company-paid long-term disability insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401k plan with employer match
  • Paid time off and holiday leave
  • Stock ownership opportunities

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