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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

PG&E Corporation

System Protection Engineer

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $193K/yr

This job is responsible for providing technical protection engineering for routine projects and maintenance/operation support including, but not limited to, issuing protection requirements, relay and ...

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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer information

What is an apprentice relay protection engineer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice relay protection engineer?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

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.

Relay Protection Electrical Technician - IBEW

Jobtailor

Newark, CA • On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description


  • Complete documentation and test reports for internal and Federal, State and local regulatory compliance

  • Perform electrical power switching

  • Test, troubleshoot and configure remote control and data acquisition systems, including SCADA and EMS

  • Plan and schedule work, including submitting clearance applications to the Operations Control Center

  • Test and commission integrated and non-integrated electrical systems, including switchgear and network relays

  • Direct and train Electrical Technician apprentices and may direct Electricians

  • Program, install, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and maintain electromechanical, solid-state and microprocessor protective relays, automation and control systems, including synchronized end-to-end protection systems

  • Maintain and make field revisions to engineering documents and drawings

  • Lift, carry and install tools, parts and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds across challenging terrain and elevated structures

  • Maneuver on stairs, ladders, scaffolding and uneven or potentially hazardous surfaces

  • Operate a company vehicle

  • Pack and move equipment, power/hand tools and materials

  • Work with other technicians to test and install equipment

  • Record and file test results

  • Work safely according to PG&E standards and procedures

  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business need


Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must possess a High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License or ability to obtain on 1st day of hire

  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes

  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions

  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays

  • Must be able to wear company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Must be able to lift 100 pounds a minimum of one time a day

  • 3 year experience testing protective relay equipment in a power station or high voltage substation or electrical technician specific training and education

  • Ability to calibrate, install, maintain, operate, troubleshoot, repair and test protective relays and associated equipment

  • Knowledge of microprocessor and electromechanical protective relay systems

  • Knowledge of substation and electric utility protection systems

  • Knowledge of SCADA, EMS, station automation and supervisory control systems

  • Ability to comprehend equipment labels, safety signs and technical materials

  • Ability to complete daily logs and required documentation

  • Ability to travel/transfer to a new headquarters upon request

  • Desired: four-year degree in Electrical Engineering OR two-year Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and two years of experience in relay and control

  • Desired: previous Journeyman Electrical Technician experience with two or more years of experience in relay and control

  • Desired: high-voltage electrical experience

  • Desired: ability to navigate and read information in MS Word and MS Excel

  • Desired: previous military experience in Power Production

  • PG&E employees must qualify on prerequisite and secondary pre-employment tests, including the Apprentice Electrical Technician Test, Physical Test Battery, and Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining protective relay systems and associated equipment, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and safety standards. Proficient in SCADA and EMS systems, with the ability to lead and train technicians in a high-voltage electrical environment.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Testing Protective Relay Equipment

  • SCADA and EMS Systems

  • Electrical System Commissioning

  • High-Voltage Electrical Experience

  • California Driver's License


Hard Skills

  • Testing and Troubleshooting

  • Calibrating Protective Relays

  • Installing Automation and Control Systems

  • Maintaining Electrical Systems

  • Documenting Test Results

  • Performing Electrical Power Switching

  • Configuring Data Acquisition Systems

  • Directing Electrical Technicians

  • Understanding Safety Regulations

  • Lifting Heavy Equipment


Soft Skills

  • Team Collaboration

  • Effective Communication

  • Adaptability to Weather Conditions

  • Attention to Detail

  • Problem-Solving


Certifications & Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • California Driver's License

  • Apprentice Electrical Technician Test

  • Physical Test Battery

  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving


Industry Keywords

  • Electrical Technician

  • Substation Protection Systems

  • Microprocessor Relay Systems

  • Electric Utility

  • Power Production


Tools & Technologies

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Power/Hand Tools

  • Engineering Documentation

  • Field Revision ToolsCompany Vehicle

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