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Senior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High Priority Plumbing

Sr. Relay Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$55 - $90/hr

As a NETA accredited independent electrical testing & engineering organization, we set the standard ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Senior Relay Technician

Albuquerque, NM · 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

Albuquerque, NM · 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

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50 - $70/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

San Francisco, CA

$70 - $85/hr

... 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 ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Richardson, TX

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 Cruces, NM · 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

Albert Lea, MN

$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

Sioux Falls, SD · 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

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/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

Green Bay, WI · 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 ...

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All JobsSenior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs

Senior Protective Relay Engineer information

See salary details

$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
Sr. Relay Settings Engineer

Sr. Relay Settings Engineer

The Haskell Company

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

In this role, we're seeking a highly skilled Senior Protection Engineer with expertise in relay settings, protection & control (P&C), and system coordination to join our Power Delivery team.
You'll play a critical role in the development, implementation, and validation of protective relaying systems for substations, transmission lines, distribution feeders, and generation interconnects. You'll also lead protection studies, coordinate closely with field personnel and clients, and drive excellence across all aspects of relay protection - from logic diagrams to final settings and commissioning support.
Your Responsibilities will Include:
  • Develop and review protection and coordination studies for utility systems ranging from 5kV to 500kV.
  • Calculate and implement relay settings using vendor tools (SEL AcSELerator, GE EnerVista, etc.).
  • Analyze short circuit, arc flash, and protection coordination studies using software such as ASPEN OneLiner, CAPE, ETAP, or SKM.
  • Generate native configuration files for protective relays (SEL, GE Multilin, etc.).
  • Create and review protection and control drawings, including one-lines, three-lines, AC/DC schematics, logic diagrams, and panel wiring.

Technical Leadership & Project Oversight
  • Lead engineering efforts across all project phases-from kickoff to final commissioning-for multiple utility and industrial clients.
  • Mentor and provide technical direction to junior engineers and designers.
  • Oversee QA/QC processes for deliverables including relay settings, studies, and P&C design packages.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (SCADA, communications, substation design, civil/structural) to ensure design alignment.
  • Support commissioning efforts, including analysis of event reports, logic testing, and field troubleshooting.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as a technical point of contact with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Present protection philosophies, study results, and technical recommendations to engineering managers and client leadership.
  • Develop clear, detailed technical documentation and study reports for regulatory and operational use.

Education & Years of Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an accredited university.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in system protection and relay settings within T&D environments.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain one within a reasonable time.

To Thrive in This Role, You Will Need:
  • Proficient in protective relay principles, power system protection coordination, and substation protection schemes.
  • Strong working knowledge of SEL and GE Multilin relay platforms and associated software tools.
  • Knowledge of relay loadability, breaker failure schemes, CT sizing, and SEL logic elements (SELOGIC).
  • Experience with short circuit and coordination modeling software (e.g., ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, or SKM).
  • Ability to read and interpret protection single-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Experience applying protection for key system components: transformers, buses, lines, feeders, capacitor/reactor banks, etc.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects.
  • 8+ years of experience in protective relaying and coordination for substations and T&D networks.
  • Familiarity with IEC 61850 protocols, logic implementation, and digital substation communication schemes.
  • Understanding of FERC/NERC regulatory requirements for utility reliability and protection compliance.
  • Experience working with renewables, DER interconnects, or data center utility interfaces is a plus.

Environmental Factors and/or Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, this position is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, and arm, hand and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read application/form information. The associate frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or protected veteran status.
Haskell will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.
Haskell is a Drug-Free Workplace.
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