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Senior Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

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Senior Relay Protection Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$63.1K

$134.2K

$194.6K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior relay protection engineer in Portland, OR is $134,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $152,200.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Senior Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you

Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) is a leading power engineering consultant firm that provides engineering, system planning and studies, technical consultation, project management, surveying, environmental planning, commissioning/testing and construction services to electric utilities, energy developers and industrials throughout the U.S. Our experience includes system voltages from 4.16 kV through 765 kV.
ECI has an immediate opening for a Protection Engineer. As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area coordination studies, standards development, relay operation analysis, and technical reviews of drawings and relay settings. The successful candidate will also be in charge of mentoring less experienced engineers via direct training and technical review of work.
Minimum Requirements: BSEE or equivalent degree; 5+ years protection engineering experience; SEL Relay Setting Experience; ASPEN OneLiner or PSSE CAPE experience; excellent verbal/written communication skills; strong organization and planning skills; ability to work in a team environment; commitment to quality and accuracy; and a willingness to meet fast-paced project schedules required. P.E. license preferred. The successful applicant may be subject to client-mandated drug and background checking. Occasional travel/driving is required; therefore, the successful applicant will be subject to ECI's auto insurance carrier requirements. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k), profit sharing and employee stock ownership plan
  • Paid vacation, personal days and holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Continued professional education reimbursement

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) employs over 850 engineers, designers, project managers, surveyors, ROW agents, environmental planners, construction professionals and support staff in 37 offices across the U.S. The firm has more than 40 years of experience in the planning, engineering, and construction of a wide range of power delivery projects including substations, transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems and industrial facilities.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

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