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Electrical Distribution Engineer Jobs in California

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Instrument Electrical Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $189K/yr

While the role retains responsibility for the site's electrical distribution and power systems, the ... Review engineering design packages and capital project documentation to ensure compliance with ...

New

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

Allied Reliability

Senior Electrical Engineer

Crockett, CA · On-site

$122K - $160K/yr

OVERVIEW The Sr. Electrical Engineer performs a variety of engineering work in designing, planning ... Design, develop, and test electrical distribution systems, load centers, etc. * Perform electrical ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

Intren West

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

Intren West

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation ... The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsElectrical Distribution Engineer JobsElectrical Distribution Engineer Jobs in California

Electrical Distribution Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.6K

$165.8K

How much do electrical distribution engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical distribution engineer in California is $109,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrical distribution engineer?

An electrical distribution engineer designs, analyzes, and maintains electrical power distribution systems that deliver electricity from substations to consumers. They work with power grid components, ensure system reliability, and often use specialized software and tools, requiring knowledge of electrical engineering principles and safety standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution Engineer vs Electrical Power Engineer?

AspectElectrical Distribution EngineerElectrical Power Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining electrical distribution systems for utilities and infrastructureDesigning and analyzing electrical power systems, including generation and transmission
Industry UsageUtilities, infrastructure, renewable energy projectsPower generation, transmission, and large-scale energy projects

Electrical Distribution Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable power delivery to consumers. Electrical Power Engineers work on the broader power generation and transmission systems, often involving large-scale energy projects. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, their primary focus areas differ within the electrical power industry.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Electrical distribution engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or specialized industries can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such high earnings are typically associated with senior positions, managerial responsibilities, or consulting roles in high-demand sectors. Most electrical engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year, with top earners in specialized fields earning more.

What are some common challenges faced by Electrical Distribution Engineers in maintaining reliable power delivery?

Electrical Distribution Engineers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, fluctuating energy demands, and integrating renewable energy sources into existing grids. They must quickly diagnose and resolve outages, ensure safety compliance, and optimize system efficiency under tight deadlines. Collaboration with field technicians, utility planners, and regulatory bodies is essential to address these issues and implement long-term improvements. Staying updated with technological advancements and industry standards also plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electrical Distribution Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and distribution system modeling tools, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help engineers collaborate with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution networks.

What does an Electrical Distribution Engineer do?

An Electrical Distribution Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving the systems that deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. They ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of electrical distribution networks, which includes overhead lines, underground cables, substations, and related equipment. Their work often involves planning new installations, troubleshooting outages, conducting system analysis, and coordinating with utility companies and contractors.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Electrical Distribution Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and working in large utility companies or consulting firms in the energy sector.
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution Engineer jobs in California? For Electrical Distribution Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution Engineer jobs in California are:
Electrical Distribution Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,636 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Senior Electrical Power Engineer

CPC and Associates

Martinez, CA

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our client is seeking a Sr. Electrical (Power) Engineer to support the reliability, integrity, and performance of critical refinery electrical systems and power infrastructure.

This is a high-impact engineering role focused on maintaining safe and reliable refinery operations through hands-on troubleshooting, electrical system optimization, and long-term reliability planning. The successful candidate will work closely with Electrical Inspectors, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to support medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, rotating electrical equipment, and a 98.5MW cogeneration facility.

The role offers broad technical exposure across refinery operations and is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment where safety, reliability, and operational excellence are top priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Champion a strong Goal Zero safety culture while ensuring compliance with NFPA, OSHA, NEC, IEEE, API, and refinery electrical safety standards
  • Provide technical support for refinery electrical distribution systems including 15kV, 4160V, 2300V, and 480V infrastructure
  • Support the reliability and maintenance of motors, switchgear, relays, transformers, breakers, VFDs, starters, and associated electrical equipment
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical issues and lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) efforts to eliminate repeat failures
  • Develop electrical reliability improvement plans, infrastructure upgrades, capital projects, and turnaround work scopes
  • Review and develop switching procedures, preventive maintenance strategies, and Management of Change (MOC) documentation
  • Support field commissioning, startup activities, outage execution, and refinery turnaround events
  • Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, and craft personnel to improve equipment reliability and operational performance
  • Support power system studies and electrical system analysis including load flow, short circuit, coordination, motor starting, and arc flash analysis
  • Provide technical support across refinery production units, utility systems, electrical distribution networks, and cogeneration operations
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • 5+ years of experience in refinery, petrochemical, power generation, or heavy industrial electrical engineering environments
  • Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, power distribution, and electrical equipment maintenance and reliability
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, API, NEMA, NFPA, and NEC standards
  • Experience troubleshooting complex industrial electrical systems and supporting field execution activities
  • Familiarity with switchgear, motors, transformers, relays, UPS systems, generators, heat tracing, and protective systems
  • Exposure to power system studies including arc flash, coordination, load flow, and short circuit analysis preferred
  • Experience with SKM, relay programming, one-line drawings, and hazardous area classification is a plus
  • Willingness to support turnarounds, outages, and on-call refinery support rotations
  • Valid drivers license required
  • TWIC card required or ability to obtain prior to start
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States