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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms and concepts are a plus. * Experience working with the electric utility industry or petro-chemical ...

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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer information

What is the difference between Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer vs Relay Protection Engineer?

AspectApprentice Relay Protection EngineerRelay Protection Engineer
QualificationsBasic technical diploma or associate degree, on-the-job trainingBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field, professional certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, training-focusedMore independent, responsible for designing and maintaining protection systems
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in relay testing, learning system operationsDeveloping protection schemes, troubleshooting, system optimization

The main difference between an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer and a Relay Protection Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Apprentices are in training, focusing on learning and assisting, while relay protection engineers are more experienced professionals responsible for system design and maintenance.

What are Apprentice Relay Protection Engineers?

Apprentice Relay Protection Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protective relays and related equipment in electrical power systems. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers as they learn the principles of power system protection and the operation of relays that help prevent damage to equipment during electrical faults. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical grids, and they often work in utility companies or large industrial facilities. Apprenticeship in this field typically involves hands-on training as well as classroom instruction.

What are some typical challenges faced by Apprentice Relay Protection Engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as understanding complex relay schemes and adapting to the technical language used in the field. Staying up to date with frequent software and hardware updates, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards, and accurately interpreting protection diagrams can also be demanding. However, these challenges are usually addressed through hands-on mentorship, structured training programs, and collaborative teamwork with experienced engineers, which accelerates your learning and confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, knowledge of power systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with protection relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry standards such as IEEE is important, and relevant certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training) can be advantageous. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate system protection, maintain power grid reliability, and support safe, efficient project execution.
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Protection Engineer

Astrion

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

Protection Engineer – Power & Mechanical Systems

Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA.
Status: Full-time

Salary: $200K–$245K/year
Clearance: Background check

U.S. Citizenship required

Make an Impact at NASA Ames

Astrion/MEIS is seeking a highly skilled Protection Engineer (Power & Mechanical) to join our Space Systems division in support of NASA Ames Research Center’s Electrical Power Reliability Office (EPrO).

In this role, you’ll directly contribute to the safety, reliability, and performance of NASA Ames’ high- and medium-voltage electrical distribution systems. From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration, your work will help safeguard one of the world’s most advanced research facilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

  • PE License (Professional Engineer)

  • Ten (10)+ years’ experience in high- and medium-voltage design, relay coordination, and short-circuit analysis.

  • Proficiency in SKM software, arc flash calculation, and SEL microprocessor relay programming.

  • Expertise in both electromechanical and solid-state relays (calibration and setting).

  • Problem-solving mindset, clear communicator, and ability to thrive in on-site, hands-on work.

  • Flexibility to support after-hours, nights, or weekend outages when required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Strong understanding of NASA Ames Electrical Power System (preferred).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform arc flash and short-circuit calculations, relay programming, and relay setting.

  • Review, program, test, and calibrate protective relays and breaker trip settings.

  • Print and distribute arc flash safety labels for NASA Ames electrical systems.

  • Maintain and update SKM master models for building and drive power systems.

  • Provide protection system specifications and relay settings for new infrastructure projects.

  • Prepare wiring diagrams and schematics for protective relay installations.

  • Support relay technicians during planned and unplanned outages.

  • Maintain and review one-line diagrams for arc flash, short circuit, and relay analysis.

  • Ensure all device settings are properly stored in the EPrO database.

This is your opportunity to apply your expertise in power protection engineering to support missions that directly enable NASA’s world-class science and space exploration programs.

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