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Distributed Energy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

baker

Sr. Power Systems Engineer (PE)

Baker, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

The Senior Power Systems Engineer (PE) serves as a technical leader for power system design, utility interconnection, protection systems, and distributed energy resources (DER) supporting commercial ...

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Baker-Electric

Sr. Power Systems Engineer (PE)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

The Senior Power Systems Engineer (PE) serves as a technical leader for power system design, utility interconnection, protection systems, and distributed energy resources (DER) supporting commercial ...

New

Siri InfoSolutions Inc

Cloud Architect

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$72.75 - $92.50/hr

Experience with utility operations, grid modernization, distributed energy resources, and renewable energy integration. * Proven experience in the Power & Utilities industry, including successful ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDistributed Energy JobsDistributed Energy Jobs in California

Distributed Energy information

See California salary details

$56.3K

$96.9K

$129.3K

How much do distributed energy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for distributed energy in California is $96,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in distributed energy, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Distributed Energy role, candidates need a solid background in electrical engineering, renewable energy systems, and power grid operations, typically supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with energy management software, grid modeling tools, and certifications such as NABCEP or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These abilities are critical for designing, implementing, and optimizing energy systems that integrate distributed resources efficiently and reliably.

What does a distributed energy job involve?

A Distributed Energy job focuses on developing, managing, and optimizing decentralized energy resources like solar panels, battery storage, and microgrids. Professionals in this field work on integrating renewable energy with the grid, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring reliability. Roles can range from project management and engineering to policy analysis and business development. These jobs play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone working in distributed energy?

Professionals in Distributed Energy roles often assess and design renewable energy systems, analyze grid integration challenges, support site operation and maintenance, and collaborate with utility partners or clients to ensure seamless energy distribution. Your days may include using modeling software to simulate system performance, reviewing regulatory compliance, and troubleshooting technical issues both on-site and remotely. You might also be involved in cross-functional meetings with project managers, engineers, and external stakeholders. This role offers a dynamic blend of fieldwork, technical analysis, and collaboration, making it ideal for those who enjoy multifaceted energy projects.

What are popular job titles related to Distributed Energy jobs in California?

For Distributed Energy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distributed Energy jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Distributed Energy jobs in California are:

Distributed Energy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distributed Energy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,875 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Staff Software Controls Engineer - Site Control

Mainspring Energy

Menlo Park, CA

$161K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Mainspring

Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.

The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:

  • Pragmatic Optimism
  • Excellence without Ego
  • Proactive Collaboration
Job Overview

Mainspring Energy is seeking a highly skilled Staff Controls Software Engineer to develop and test the critical software that integrates our Linear Generators into global energy infrastructure. As an individual contributor (IC) within a high-performing Scrum team, you will focus on building commercial-grade site control systems, ensuring seamless integration with Microgrids, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and utility-scale power plants. You will be responsible for writing high-quality code, conducting rigorous testing, and collaborating with your team to deliver the communication and control backbone of our technology.

Key Responsibilities

  • Technical Execution: Design, implement, and test control system features, ensuring they are robust and scalable for a high-volume manufacturing environment

  • Protocol Implementation: Develop and maintain communication interfaces using OPC-UA, Modbus, and other industrial protocols to ensure system interoperability

  • SCADA & HMI Development: Build and refine SCADA systems and HMI designs, focusing on creating intuitive operator interfaces and deep diagnostic visibility for the team

  • Agile Team Participation: Work closely within a Scrum framework, participating in sprint planning, code reviews, and daily stand-ups to deliver reliable software increments

  • Testing & Validation: Own the testing lifecycle for new features, including unit testing, integration testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation to ensure site safety logic and grid compliance

  • DER Integration: Implement strategies for integrating Mainspring technology into Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) and complex microgrid environments

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Product and Hardware teams to translate utility requirements and interconnection standards into functional software specifications

Qualifications

  • Industry Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience in commercial power generation, industrial automation, or utility-scale energy projects

  • Systems Expertise: Expert proficiency with SCADA, HMI, and industrial controllers (PLCs/PACs). Deep hands-on experience with IEC 61131-3 for machine control and a strong preference for experience in IEC 61499 for event-driven architectures. Experience with industrial serial protocols ( like UART) is a plus

  • Deep Protocol Knowledge: Proven track record of developing and testing control logic for complex power sites (e.g., microgrids, large-scale solar + storage). Expert-level proficiency in OPC-UA, MQTT, Modbus, and DNP3 within secure industrial environments

  • Grid Interconnection Standards: Experience with grid interconnection standards (e.g., IEEE 1547, UL 1741)

  • Cybersecurity Frameworks: Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks for industrial control systems (e.g., NERC CIP)

  • Technical Communication: Ability to create clear technical documentation and system diagrams that bridge the gap between industrial hardware and modern software

$161,500 - $190,000 a year

This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don't meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we'd still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.

In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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