Senior Relay Protection Engineer

Senior Relay Protection EngineerInsight Global is looking to hire a Senior Relay Protection Engineer to join the Protection & Control Standards team of one of their largest clients in the NYC area. This is a hands‑on technical role focused on the settings, logic, and performance of microprocessor‑based protective relays used across the electric power system.This engineer is responsible for how protection systems behave during faults. They personally perform relay settings, protection logic, coordination studies, and relay programming using platforms such as SEL and Hitachi. A separate design team produces physical and schematic drawings; this role reviews and advises on those designs to ensure they support proper protection operation but does not perform CAD or drafting work.The Senior Relay Protection Engineer acts as a technical authority for protection behavior, supports construction and commissioning, and is accountable for relay performance once equipment is energized.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform fault and short‑circuit analysis to determine protection requirementsDevelop and implement relay protection settings for microprocessor‑based relaysSelect and configure appropriate protection elements (overcurrent, distance, differential, etc.)Perform coordination studies to ensure correct system operation during faultsProgram and configure relays using SEL and Hitachi software platformsReview and approve protection‑related drawings produced by the design teamDefine protection scope for relay replacement and modernization projectsProvide construction and commissioning support, including field troubleshootingEnsure compliance with PRC / NERC protection standardsSupport and maintain protection standards across the organizationRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering8+ years of power systems engineering experience3+ years of direct, hands‑on relay protection experienceDemonstrated experience performing relay settings and relay programmingStrong understanding of power system protection principlesExperience with microprocessor‑based relaysExperience with manufacturers such as SEL, Hitachi, GE, or SiemensPreferred Qualifications:IEC 61850 experience (very strong plus)Direct experience with Hitachi relay platformsUtility or grid‑scale protection experienceExperience supporting construction and commissioning