Discover specialized Senior P&C Engineer (Protection Relay Testing) jobs for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in the critical field of electrical power system security. A Senior Protection & Control Engineer specializing in relay testing is a highly technical expert responsible for ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical grids. These engineers focus on the meticulous testing, calibration, and maintenance of protective relays—the intelligent devices that detect faults and automatically isolate problem areas to prevent equipment damage and widespread outages. Professionals in this senior role typically undertake a wide range of responsibilities. They develop and execute comprehensive test plans using advanced secondary injection test sets and other diagnostic equipment to verify relay accuracy and logic. This involves simulating fault conditions to ensure relays operate according to design specifications, coordinating with system protection schemes. A key duty is analyzing test results, documenting findings in detailed reports, and making recommendations for settings adjustments or equipment replacements. They often lead field testing crews, providing technical guidance and ensuring all work complies with stringent utility standards, NERC PRC regulations, and other industry protocols like IEEE. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in commissioning new substation equipment, supporting system upgrades, and troubleshooting complex protection system misoperations. To qualify for Senior P&C Engineer (Protection Relay Testing) jobs, candidates generally need a strong electrical engineering background, typically a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with several years of hands-on relay testing experience. In-depth knowledge of relay philosophies for generation, transmission, and distribution systems is essential, along with proficiency with major relay manufacturers’ devices (e.g., SEL, GE, Siemens). Required skills include mastery of testing software, the ability to interpret schematic diagrams and settings files, and a solid understanding of three-phase power systems. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are paramount, as is a commitment to safety protocols. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is often a preferred or required credential for these senior-level positions. For dedicated engineers passionate about grid resilience, these jobs offer a challenging and impactful career path at the forefront of electrical power system integrity.
