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Senior Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Clinton, TN

Mesa Accosiates

Senior Protection Relay Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

GIG South / Generation Industrial & Government The Senior Protection Relay Engineer candidate should have experience with the utility, industrial, or power generation industries and be capable of ...

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Senior Relay Protection Engineer information

See Clinton, TN salary details

$54.7K

$116.4K

$168.7K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior relay protection engineer in Clinton, TN is $116,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,100.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Clinton, TN are hiring for Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Clinton, TN with the most Senior Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Relay Protection Engineer job openings in Clinton, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,360 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Senior Protection Relay Engineer

Mesa Associates Inc.

Knoxville, TN • Hybrid

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

GIG South / Generation Industrial & Government

The Senior Protection Relay Engineer candidate should have experience with the utility, industrial, or power generation industries and be capable of leading teams for both small and large power generation design projects as well as acting in the owner’s engineer role. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in power generation and distribution, protective relaying systems, and power system studies. In addition, the candidate will be expected to mentor young engineers, support in managing client relationships, and lead technical proposal efforts in support of the project manager. A significant level of design and engineer of record work experience with power plant systems is required. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years experience in protection relay system design, settings, and installation.
  • Design experience with coal, hydro, simple cycle and combined cycle power plants.
  • Previous experience with an engineering power consulting or EPC firm desired.
  • Experience with power systems analysis software like ETAP/SKM a plus.
  • Field installation and testing (using a Doble or similar) of relays a plus.
  • Candidate must have excellent communication, written and organizational skills.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work independently, as a lead on a multi-discipline consulting team, or as a lead on a small team are required.
  • Extensive knowledge of three-phase electrical power, relay protection and control design are desired. Should be familiar with SEL, Basler, Beckwith, etc.
  • Knowledge and application of NERC-PRC standards and other commonly utilized industry standards.
  • Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.
  • Direct the activities of other engineering professionals and act as a mentor to other staff members as needed.
  • Delegating, planning, prioritizing and reviewing the work of other engineers.
  • Position will include an expectation of less than 15% travel for on-site meetings with clients and vendors as well as project site visits to investigate site conditions or in support of proposal efforts.

Position Location

The selected candidate is ideally located, or willing to relocate to the following locations:

Knoxville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA; Hybrid/Remote eligibility dependent on candidate

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Notice to External Search Firms:Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.

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