Relay Specialist

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Kentucky; On-site; USD 103,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly rate

Vehicle stipend

Relocation package

Job summary

Ellaway Blues Consulting is seeking an experienced Relay Testing Technician to support long-term utility modernization programs across Ohio and Pennsylvania. This role focuses on relay testing, commissioning, and substation upgrades for a major investor-owned utility, offering stability and steady project flow.

You will perform protective relay testing, calibration, and commissioning, review drawings and relay settings, document results, and coordinate with engineers to safely energize assets

Qualifications

• Proven relay testing and commissioning experience in utility or substation environments.
• Strong knowledge of protective relays, P&C systems, and substation equipment.
• Ability to read electrical drawings, schematics, and relay settings.
• Willingness to travel to OH and PA.

Responsibilities

• Perform protective relay testing, calibration, and commissioning for substations
• Test and commission switchgear, breakers, transformers, and protection systems
• Support grid modernization and asset upgrade programs
• Document results and generate reports
• Coordinate with utility personnel to energize assets safely
• Adhere to safety protocols and site requirements

Skills

Relay testing

Substation testing

Protection & control

Travel willingness

Reading drawings

Job description

We are seeking experienced Relay Testing Technicians to support long-term utility modernization programs across Ohio and Pennsylvania. This role is heavily focused on relay testing, commissioning, and substation upgrades, supporting major transmission and distribution initiatives for a large investor-owned utility. The program has been active for over a decade and continues to expand into additional distribution substations, offering long-term stability and consistent project flow.

This opportunity provides exposure to large-scale grid modernization efforts, access to experienced technical leadership, and the chance to work on some of the most critical transmission and distribution assets in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform protective relay testing, calibration, and commissioning for transmission and distribution substations
• Test and commission switchgear, breakers, transformers, and protection & control systems
• Support large-scale grid modernization and asset upgrade programs across utility substations
• Execute functional testing, end-to-end testing, and troubleshooting of relay protection schemes
• Review drawings, relay settings, and protection documentation to ensure compliance with utility standards
• Participate in commissioning activities for newly installed or upgraded substation equipment
• Document test results, generate reports, and support closeout documentation
• Coordinate with utility personnel, engineers, and project teams to safely energize assets
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, procedures, and site-specific requirements

Program Scope & Project Background

• Long-term involvement supporting a multi-billion-dollar transmission and distribution modernization effort
• Work includes 600+ transmission substations, with expanding scope into distribution substations
• Focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, improving system reliability, and integrating modern protection and control technologies
• Ongoing program evolution supporting grid resilience, clean energy integration, and advanced distribution technologies

Qualifications

• Proven experience in relay testing and commissioning within utility or substation environments
• Strong understanding of protective relays, P&C systems, and substation equipment
• Experience working on transmission and/or distribution substations
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and relay settings
• Familiarity with utility standards, commissioning procedures, and safety requirements
• Willingness to travel and work in Ohio and Pennsylvania
• NETA certification or experience working with NETA-certified testing organizations is strongly preferred
• Hourly Rate: $75–$90/hr (flexible based on experience)
• Vehicle Stipend: $1,000/month
• Relocation Package Available
• Long-term, stable program with consistent work and growth potential