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Senior Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

GAI Consultants

Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

GAI Consultants

Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems. The successful candidate will work on various substation and ...

EPS

Relay Technician II

Willowbrook, IL

$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.

EPS

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.

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

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 ...

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

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 ...

ComEd

Sr Engineer - T&S Relay Engineering

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Equipment in scope for protection not only includes transformers, capacitor banks, buses, etc. but ... Lead Engineer for Project Design; Manage and Coordinate Databases; Contribute to Industry Working ...

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All JobsRelay Protection Engineer JobsSenior Relay Protection Engineer JobsSenior Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Relay Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior relay protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by senior relay protection engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Relay Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new protection technologies with legacy systems, ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards, and managing complex coordination studies. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with continuing education, participating in industry forums, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including field technicians, project managers, and utility planners. Additionally, leveraging simulation tools and performing thorough testing can help mitigate risks and ensure reliable system protection.

What is a senior relay protection engineer?

Senior Relay Protection Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, test, and maintain protective relay systems in electrical power networks. They ensure the safety and reliability of power systems by preventing faults and minimizing equipment damage during electrical disturbances. Their responsibilities include developing protection schemes, coordinating settings, conducting system studies, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior Relay Protection Engineers often work in utilities, engineering firms, or industrial facilities and play a critical role in power system stability and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior relay protection engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Relay Protection Engineer, you need deep expertise in power system protection, system analysis, and a degree in electrical engineering, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with protective relay software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), power system simulation tools, and industry standards like IEEE and NERC is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for leading projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the reliable design, implementation, and troubleshooting of protection systems, which are critical for electrical grid stability and safety.

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

AspectSenior Relay Protection EngineerRelay Protection Engineer
CertificationsIEEE, CEA, or equivalentIEEE, CEA, or equivalent
Work Experience5+ years in protection systems1-3 years in protection systems
ResponsibilitiesDesign, oversee, and troubleshoot protection schemes; lead projectsAssist in protection scheme design and testing
Work EnvironmentPower plants, substations, utility companiesPower plants, substations, utility companies

The main difference between a Senior Relay Protection Engineer and a Relay Protection Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior engineers typically have more years of experience, handle complex projects, and lead teams, while relay protection engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles are essential in power system protection and often work within the same environments and industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you

Relay Settings EIT 2

GAI Consultants

Lisle, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

GAI Consultants rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 441 rated engineering

Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking a Relay Settings Engineer (EIT 2) with protective relay experience for transmission and distribution systems.  The successful candidate will work on various substation and/or protection and control engineering project including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on "Client First" approach to all interactions. We value work-life balance and offer flexibility – this position can be performed in a hybrid or fully remote capacity.

Job Duties: 

  • Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and others. For both transmission line relays (line differential, Step distance and Pilot Schemes) and Substation relays (Capacitor Banks, Transformers and Buses)  
  • Conduct short circuit analysis and relay coordination studies using Aspen OneLiner and/or PSS CAPE.
  • Utilize SEL AcSELerator Quickset and GE EnerVista software
  • Implementation of control and protection schemes including interpreting schematics and wiring diagrams and preparing relay logic to complete the schemes.
  • Mentoring and managing staff at all levels.
  • Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
  • Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
  • Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.

Travel: 

  • 10% to job sites or client meetings as needed. 

General Characteristics

  • Acquires fundamental knowledge and develops skills in a specific practice area through mentored experience. 
  • Applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform assigned tasks as part of a broader assignment. 

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 2+ 

Education

  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering

Certification/Licensure

  • Passed Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and obtained engineer-in-training (EIT) or engineering-intern (EI) certification.

Technical Responsibilities

  • Performs basic design tasks.
  • Assists on tasks such as: field activities, material testing, CADD work, permit applications, and report writing.

Project and Task Management

  • Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.
  • No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Management Responsibility

  • Receives close supervision on most aspects of assignments, particularly on difficult problems, and a general review of all aspects of work.
  • Receives mentorship from a licensed engineer.

Communication Skills

  • Possesses basic oral and written communication skills.
  • Engages in few project stakeholder interactions.

Why GAI?   

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth. 

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:   

  • Competitive salary -GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire) 
  • New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program  
  • Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
  • 401k company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement 

 #INDHP

What GAI Consultants employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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