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Utility Relay Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Relay Technician is responsible for testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relay ... Practical experience working with protective relay equipment in utility substations. * Working ...

... Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

... across Data Centers, Utility, Ge neration, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial ... The Sr. Relay Technician perfo rms and supervises ele ct rical testing, maintenance and ...

... Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

... Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

... Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

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Utility Relay Technician information

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$12

$23

$32

How much do utility relay technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility relay technician in the United States is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Relay Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Relay Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical theory, power systems, and relay protection principles, typically supported by an associate degree in electrical technology or a related field. Familiarity with relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry certifications such as NETA or equivalent are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help technicians accurately diagnose and address complex system issues. These competencies ensure the reliable operation and safety of electrical grids, preventing outages and maintaining critical infrastructure.

What is the difference between Utility Relay Technician vs Utility Lineman?

AspectUtility Relay TechnicianUtility Lineman
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentIndoor control rooms, substations, electrical panelsOutdoor power lines, poles, and substations
Job ResponsibilitiesTesting, maintaining, and troubleshooting relays and control systemsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining power lines and distribution systems
Industry UsagePower utilities, electrical contractorsPower utilities, construction companies

While both roles work within the utility industry, Utility Relay Technicians focus on electrical control systems and relays, often working indoors or in substations. Utility Linemen handle physical installation and repair of power lines outdoors. Both require safety certifications and are essential for maintaining reliable electrical service, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges Utility Relay Technicians face when working on-site at substations or power plants?

Utility Relay Technicians often work in environments where they must troubleshoot complex electrical protection systems under time constraints, especially during outages or maintenance windows. They regularly face the challenge of interpreting intricate relay schematics and ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent equipment damage or personal injury. Additionally, coordinating with engineers, operators, and other technicians is vital to ensure testing and repairs are completed efficiently and accurately. Adaptability and clear communication are essential for success in this dynamic, high-responsibility role.

What are Utility Relay Technicians?

Utility Relay Technicians are specialized professionals who install, maintain, test, and repair protective relay systems in electrical utilities and substations. These relays are critical for detecting faults and ensuring the safety and reliability of power distribution. Technicians use advanced testing equipment to calibrate and troubleshoot relay devices, ensuring they operate correctly during abnormal or hazardous conditions. Their role is essential in preventing electrical failures and minimizing downtime in power systems.
More about Utility Relay Technician jobs
What states have the most Utility Relay Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Relay Technician jobs include:
Infographic showing various Utility Relay Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Senior Relay Technician - Utility & High-Voltage Protection

Asplundh Electrical Testing, LLC

Odessa, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

About the Role

At Asplundh Electrical Testing, safety is not a priority—it is our foundation. The Senior Relay Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable operation of medium‑ and high‑voltage utility substations through advanced protective relay testing, commissioning, and maintenance activities.

This position is ideal for professionals with a utility background who have hands‑on experience testing and commissioning transmission and distribution protection systems. You will serve as a technical lead in the field, guide crews through complex outage work, and reinforce Asplundh’s reputation for safety, precision, and service excellence.

We are experiencing strong growth and are immediately hiring Senior Relay Technicians with deep expertise in protection and control, relay schemes, and substation energization. If you enjoy solving complex protection challenges, leading safe work execution, and influencing system reliability at scale, we’d like to speak with you.

As a NETA‑accredited, independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh Electrical Testing sets the benchmark for technical excellence and unwavering safety across the utility, renewable energy, data center, and industrial sectors.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead job briefings and safety tailboards, reinforcing a “Safety First, Always” field culture
  • Perform protective relay testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and commissioning on medium‑ and high‑voltage systems
  • Test and validate transmission and distribution protection schemes, including:
    • Distance, differential, overcurrent, breaker failure, and bus protection
  • Verify control and protection circuits for:
    • Power transformers
    • Medium‑ and high‑voltage circuit breakers
    • Feeder relays
    • Capacitor banks and reactors
  • Support outage planning, switching coordination, energization, and restoration activities
  • Perform event analysis, relay target review, and disturbance investigations
  • Lead and mentor onsite technicians; coordinate work execution with project managers, system operators, and utility customers
  • Create and maintain accurate test reports, as‑left settings, and field documentation
  • Participate in job walks, project estimating, and customer technical discussions
  • Serve as a technical resource and trainer for developing relay technicians

Travel Requirements:
Work is performed at customer sites throughout the assigned region. Regular regional travel is required, with opportunities for extended assignments outside the region as needed.
✔ Company vehicle provided for regional work‑related travel.

What You Bring
  • 5+ years of hands‑on experience in protective relaying for utility substations
  • Demonstrated experience testing medium‑ to high‑voltage (5kV–500kV) protection systems
  • Strong working knowledge of microprocessor‑based relays
  • Experience with modern relay test platforms
  • Solid understanding of utility safety rules, energized work practices, and lockout/tagout procedures
  • Ability to interpret:
    • Protection diagrams
    • AC/DC schematics
    • Wiring and logic drawings
  • Valid driver’s license; ability to work outdoors, travel, and lift up to 70 lbs
Education & Credentials
  • NETA Level III or IV Certification preferred for Senior roles
    (Candidates at other NETA levels are encouraged to apply for opportunities across the organization)
  • Experience with:
    • Circuit breakers
    • Power transformers
    • Switchgear
    • RTUs and substation communications
  • Technical degree, apprenticeship, or military electrical training
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving history

What We Offer

At Asplundh Electrical Testing, we invest in the well‑being of our people. Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work‑life balance, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plan to help you secure your future
  • Company‑provided life insurance for added peace of mind
  • Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
  • A variety of voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
  • Long‑term disability coverage
  • Pre‑paid legal plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well‑being
  • Paid time off to recharge and refresh
  • Paid holidays
  • Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources
*Benefits listed above are available to eligible employees. Eligibility requirements and plan provisions apply

Please note: For roles that fall within union‑represented territories, certain benefits and employment terms may differ from what’s listed here. In those cases, the applicable local union agreement will guide the specific benefits and provisions. We’re committed to transparency and will walk you through what applies to your location during the hiring process.  This role can be union or non-union depending on the candidate preference!

Who We Are

Asplundh Electrical Testing (AET) has been a leading provider of independent electrical testing services since 1981. Headquartered in Foxboro, MA, with regional offices across the country, AET specializes in substation commissioning, acceptance testing, and maintenance for clients in electrical transmission, distribution, and generation. As a NETA-certified company and a member of Asplundh Engineering Services—a subsidiary of Asplundh Infrastructure Group—AET is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality services at competitive prices.

An Asplundh Company

As part of the Asplundh family, AET benefits from extensive resources and a century of experience. Together, we provide utilities with comprehensive end-to-end services, from design to construction, testing, and maintenance, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.

Our Commitment

At AET, we believe in tackling challenges together with our customers, leveraging our collective experience and resources to achieve success in every project.

 
 

Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.