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Electrical Substation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical substation engineering. * Strong experience designing transmission and distribution substations. * Knowledge of utility engineering standards including ...

The Electrical Detailer Assistant will support electrical substation design projects for various utility clients. The candidate must be a US Citizen or a green card holder, the position is not ...

This Engineer is accountable for developing substation electrical drawings in accordance with RFQ scope of work, ensuring constructability of design. This individual provides leadership, mentorship ...

Substation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$95K - $140K/yr

Support the engineering and design of electrical substation projects. * Prepare and review engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical documentation. * Support substation ...

Substation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$95K - $140K/yr

Support the engineering and design of electrical substation projects. * Prepare and review engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical documentation. * Support substation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Electrical Substation information

See California salary details

$56.3K

$98.9K

$156.9K

How much do electrical substation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical substation in California is $98,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrical substation?

An Electrical Substation job involves the maintenance, operation, and installation of equipment used to regulate and distribute electricity in a power grid. Workers in this role ensure substations function efficiently by inspecting transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components. Responsibilities may also include troubleshooting electrical faults and performing routine maintenance to prevent system failures. Substation technicians and engineers must follow strict safety protocols due to the high-voltage environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in electrical substation roles?

Professionals working in electrical substations often face challenges such as adhering to strict safety procedures when handling high-voltage equipment, responding quickly to power outages or system malfunctions, and keeping up with evolving industry technology and regulations. The role requires working both independently and as part of a team, frequently in outdoor or shift-based environments where conditions may vary. Effective troubleshooting and clear communication with other engineers, utility personnel, and sometimes emergency responders are essential. Overcoming these challenges helps ensure a safe work environment and reliable electricity supply to communities and businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the electrical substation position, and why are they important?

Excelling in an Electrical Substation role requires a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems, and problem-solving, often supported by an electrical engineering degree, apprenticeship, or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, relay protection devices, and safety protocols such as OSHA standards is typically essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of high-voltage equipment crucial to power reliability.

How to get into electrical substation work?

To work in electrical substations, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in electrical work. Certifications such as OSHA safety training and electrician licenses are often required, along with strong knowledge of electrical systems and safety protocols.

What does an electrical substation electrician do?

An electrical substation electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical equipment in substations, including transformers, circuit breakers, and switches. They interpret electrical diagrams, ensure safety protocols, and often work with high-voltage systems to ensure reliable power distribution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Substation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electrical Substation jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Electrical Substation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Electrical Substation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Electrical Substation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electrical Substation job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Substation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,938 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Electrical Substation Engineer

SuperbTech, Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$48 - $67/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Substation Engineer
Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity:
We are seeking a Senior Substation Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting high profile utility and power infrastructure projects. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys leading the technical design and execution of complex transmission and distribution substation projects.
You will play a key role in delivering innovative engineering solutions while mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring projects are completed with the highest standards of quality, safety, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the engineering design and technical execution of transmission and distribution substation projects from concept through construction support.
  • Develop project execution plans and oversee technical deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Serve as the technical lead while partnering with Project Managers to support project scope, schedules, budgets, and overall project success.
  • Prepare and review engineering calculations, design packages, specifications, and construction drawings.
  • Design and review:
    • High voltage substations.
    • Physical layouts.
    • Grounding systems.
    • Lightning protection.
    • Control buildings.
    • Auxiliary AC/DC systems.
    • Conduit and cable routing.
    • Bills of Material (BOMs).
  • Coordinate with civil, structural, protection and control, and transmission engineering teams.
  • Perform quality assurance and technical reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards and engineering best practices.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to engineers, designers, and drafters.
  • Support proposal development, project planning, risk management, and technical presentations.
  • Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and schedule expectations.
  • Participate in occasional client meetings and site visits as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical substation engineering.
  • Strong experience designing transmission and distribution substations.
  • Knowledge of utility engineering standards including IEEE, ANSI, IEC, and applicable electrical codes.
  • Experience preparing engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering software such as:
    • AutoCAD
    • MicroStation
    • PLS-CADD
    • Plant 3D
    • AutoPIPE
    • Revit
  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lead multiple projects while mentoring junior staff.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required due to project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience designing substations up to 765 kV.
  • Experience with CDEGS or other grounding analysis software.
  • Previous consulting engineering or electric utility experience.
  • Candidates local to the Irvine, CA area are strongly preferred.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work on impactful utility infrastructure projects that support the modernization and reliability of the electric grid. You'll join a collaborative engineering team where you'll have the opportunity to lead challenging projects, mentor developing engineers, and continue growing your technical expertise while making a lasting impact on critical energy infrastructure.