Senior Protective Relaying Engineer 2
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
This senior engineering position is within Sargent & Lundy's Electrical Analytical Division and will be responsible for the following:
- Performing protection system calculations and analysis to support a wide variety of clients
- Develop relay settings associated with HV/EHV Substation and Transmission Lines
- Develop relay settings for Power Station Generators, Transformers, Motors and Medium Voltage and Low Voltage protection devices
- Aiding clients to comply with NERC PRC standards
- Relaying Event Report analysis
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (background in Power/Power Systems) and sufficient industry experience is considered in lieu of an advanced degree
- A minimum of 7 years relevant engineering experience with an emphasis in power system protection
- Experience with microprocessor-based relays (SEL, Beckwith, GE, ABB, etc) and electro-mechanical relays
- Experience with micro-processor based relay software (SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, etc)
- Experience with Generator, Transformer, and Motor Protection studies
- Experience with HV/EHV substation and Line Relaying
- Experience with LV Breaker protection
- Experience using protection system software such as ETAP, SKM, and Aspen
- Experience with NERC PRC compliance evaluations
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred
- Successful completion of the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
- Experience performing transient analysis of power systems using software such as: PSS/E, ETAP, SKM, PSCAD and EMTP-RV
- Experience in short circuit analysis and using software programs CAPE or EasyPower
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$95,840.00 - $147,870.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
Mastery of microprocessor-based relays like SEL and GE enables a Protective Relaying Engineer 2 to design precise protection schemes, enhancing system reliability and minimizing downtime. In-depth knowledge of relay software accelerates fault analysis and compliance with NERC PRC standards, crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
In Chicago's growing energy market, Protective Relaying Engineers often progress towards senior technical roles or managerial positions overseeing power system protection projects. Specialized skills in transient analysis and compliance elevate opportunities, reflecting the city's increasing demand for resilient electrical infrastructure.
Urban HV/EHV substations in Chicago demand engineers to navigate complex grid interconnections and strict regulatory compliance. Challenges include coordinating relay settings amid dense infrastructure and ensuring protection schemes adapt to fluctuating load patterns influenced by the city's dynamic energy consumption.
Chicago's robust utility sector and numerous transmission projects create a higher-than-average demand for Protective Relaying Engineers compared to smaller Midwest markets. Candidates with extensive power system protection expertise often find accelerated hiring timelines and attractive compensation packages here.
Sargent & Lundy provides Protective Relaying Engineers access to diverse clients and cutting-edge projects in power system protection, fostering skill enhancement. Their hybrid work model and award-winning benefits promote work-life balance, supporting engineers in sustaining long-term career development within the company.
Candidates can anticipate a hybrid schedule blending in-office collaboration with remote work, reflecting modern workplace trends. This flexibility supports productivity while accommodating Chicago's commuting challenges, aligning with employee well-being initiatives highly regarded at Sargent & Lundy.
The compensation typically ranges between $95,840 and $147,870 annually, reflecting experience and technical expertise in power system protection. This competitive package often includes bonuses and comprehensive benefits, positioning the role attractively within Chicago's engineering job market.
Possessing a Professional Engineering (PE) license and proficiency with transient analysis tools like PSS/E or PSCAD substantially enhance employability. Familiarity with NERC PRC compliance and relay software is also highly valued, aligning with regional standards and operational expectations.
Accurate relay settings are vital for isolating faults swiftly, preventing equipment damage and ensuring continuous power supply. At Sargent & Lundy, engineers meticulously tailor these settings for generators and transformers, directly contributing to system stability and client satisfaction.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes a blend of technical rigor and employee well-being, offering hybrid work options and award-winning benefits. Their focus on advanced protection system software and compliance with strict industry standards creates a challenging yet supportive environment unique in Chicago’s energy sector.