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Apprentice Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $67/hr

The technician will continue developing expertise in relay protection schemes, system analysis, and advanced testing practices while working closely with Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

$45 - $67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Relay Technician II

About The Company:

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization specializing in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Perks:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Talent Development - Instructor-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
  • Career Path Planning
  • Incentives for Professional Certifications
  • Competitive Per Diem for Travel
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is between $45-67 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. 

Position Summary:

The Relay Technician II is a mid-level role responsible for performing testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems with increasing independence. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, technical proficiency in relay systems, and the ability to support project execution through testing, troubleshooting, reporting, and communication. The technician will continue developing expertise in relay protection schemes, system analysis, and advanced testing practices while working closely with Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.

Responsibilities
  • Adhere to all safety policies and actively participate in job briefings and hazard mitigation efforts.
  • Apply Human Performance Error Reduction (HPE) concepts in daily work practices.
  • Promote safe work behaviors and support team safety initiatives.
  • Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.
  • Execute element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems.
  • Perform and evaluate in-service readings to verify system performance and identify abnormalities.
  • Conduct end-to-end testing and validate protection system operation.
  • Perform communication installations and testing including SCADA, GOOSE, Modbus, fiber optics, and related protocols.
  • Perform circuit analysis involving protective relays, instrumentation transformers, AC/DC circuits, and overall system functionality.
  • Analyze relay operations, event records, and system performance data for troubleshooting and validation.
  • Read and interpret one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and complex protection logic.
  • Develop testing plans and isolation plans to ensure safe and efficient execution of work.
  • Create detailed reports, including test results, commissioning records, and calibration documentation.
  • Demonstrate clear communication both internally with team members and externally with clients, engineers, and project stakeholders.
  • Coordinate work activities with engineers, project teams, and other technicians to ensure project alignment and efficiency.
Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.

  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check. 
  • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a good driving record. 
  • Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation or distribution level substations. 
  • Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits. 
  • Knowledge of relay test software. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Experience installing, maintaining, testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment. 

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical/Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred 
  • NETA II Certified, preferred 

Physical Requirements:  

  • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs. 

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, age or any other characteristics protected by state or federal laws. 

EPS does not work with individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies, and will not recognize claim to any unsolicited resumes or candidate information

#PoweringTheFuture

Employment Type: FULL_TIME