2

Entry Level Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Electrical Engineer

Lafayette, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Engineer to learn and grow! Harris Group offers ... Assisting power systems analysis * Developing drawings and specifications for construction, and ...

Are a power user of Cursor, Zed, etc., and started using code-gen tools before they went mainstream ... Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, application via RippleMatch South San Francisco, CA $120,000.00 ...

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * Power Systems: Experience designing and testing low-voltage regulated power ...

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * Power Systems: Experience designing and testing low-voltage regulated power ...

Data Analytics & BI (SQL, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, business KPIs) * Data Engineering (Apache Spark, Databricks, ETL, Airflow, cloud data lakes and warehouses) Everything is tied to real-world s, so ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Power Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$85.2K

$140.6K

How much do entry level power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level power engineer in California is $85,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Power Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Power Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and foundational knowledge of power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, or MATLAB, and exposure to relevant codes and standards (like IEEE) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative solutions in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

What is the difference between Entry Level Power Engineer vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Power EngineerPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; may need engineering internship experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and support power systems; office and technical settingsOperate and monitor power plant equipment; plant floor and control room
Industry UsagePower generation companies, engineering firmsPower plants, utility companies

Entry Level Power Engineers typically focus on designing and analyzing power systems with a background in engineering, while Power Plant Operators manage and control the operation of power plant equipment. Both roles are essential in the energy industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level power engineers in their first year on the job?

Entry level power engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex electrical systems, learning industry-specific software, and understanding regulatory standards. They may also need to quickly develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with senior engineers, technicians, and project managers. Balancing the technical demands of the role with ongoing training and real-world project deadlines can be demanding, but most organizations provide mentorship and structured onboarding to support new engineers as they build confidence and expertise.

What are entry level power engineers?

Entry level power engineers are recent graduates or early-career professionals who work in the field of power engineering, which focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electrical power. They typically assist in designing, testing, maintaining, and improving electrical systems and equipment under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities may include working on power grids, renewable energy projects, or electrical infrastructure for utilities and industries. Entry level power engineers often use engineering software and analytical tools while learning industry standards and gaining hands-on experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Power Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Power Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Power Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Power Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,249 per year, or $41 per hour.
Associate Electrical Engineer

Associate Electrical Engineer

Harris Group

Lafayette, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Harris Group thrives on providing expert engineering for some of today's most complex challenges. We are creative in our approach by delivering multi-discipline services across a wide range of project types. Our successes are directly related to high-quality collaboration, across all offices, expertise, and backgrounds. Harris Group is a 100% Employee-Owned company with our eyes focused on the people in the company, the clients we serve, and the communities in which we live.
Harris Group is seeking an Associate Electrical Engineer to join the California region in our Lafayette, CA office. This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Engineer to learn and grow! Harris Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and a friendly, flexible, collaborative culture that values and supports professional development.
The Job Summary
The Associate Electrical Engineer position provides opportunities to problem-solve and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria on varied and diverse projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in Electrical Engineering and a passion to develop in the Electrical discipline. Bring your curiosity and problem-solving mindset to this exciting role!
The Responsibilities
  • Assisting power systems analysis
  • Developing drawings and specifications for construction, and assisting field investigations
  • Supporting teams in lighting layouts and lighting control system designs
  • Participating in formal, informal and project team meetings
  • Ability and willingness to travel to an off-site location and/or accept client site assignments when required

The Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 1 - 3 years of electrical design experience in the design of power distribution, lighting, and grounding systems for production, manufacturing and industrial facilities preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-starter with a strong work ethic.
  • Ability to use a computer and computer software programs, such as AutoCAD and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

The Benefits
  • Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
  • Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), PTO & paid holidays.
  • Harris Group is proud to be an employee-owned company; the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) provides an exciting employee wealth building opportunities of our employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Harris Group provides a competitive compensation and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Drug Free Workplace
Harris Group, Inc. is a 100% drug free workplace. For the safety of our employees, customers, and our customer's facilities, we do a pre-employment drug test and may require random testing to meet specific client needs. Please note that Marijuana, even if prescribed by a physician OR allowed under a state law regulating Marijuana, remains illegal under federal law and is against Harris Group's policy.
We look forward to receiving your resume!