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Entry Level Power Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsPower Engineer JobsEntry Level Power Engineer JobsEntry Level Power Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA

Entry Level Power Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$42.8K

$91.2K

$150.5K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level power engineer in Merced, CA is $91,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $109,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? For Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Power Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Power Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Power Engineer jobs near you
EPC Project Engineer (Los Banos, CA)

EPC Project Engineer (Los Banos, CA)

SOLV Energy

Los Banos, CA

$72K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

SOLV Energy rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

The EPC Project Engineer will support the jobsite team, coordinate and manage project deliverables to achieve project profitability and schedule goals. This position is team oriented, fast paced and responsible for the coordination and completion of the assigned projects.
This role is located full-time on a jobsite in Los Banos, CA and will require travel. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities

  • Attend and document project meetings (write minutes)

  • Set up and maintain electronic filing system

  • Update and maintain all sets of drawings, specifications and logs

  • Assist with preparation of CPM schedules

  • Assist with updating and maintaining master CPM schedule

  • Evaluate and understand basic construction means and methods

  • Maintain a site specific safety plan and pre-task planning process, including audits, meeting, training, etc.

  • Distribute all documents to subcontractors and maintain document logs

  • Evaluate field problems and document PCI's

  • Prepare and maintain PCI logs on CMiC system

  • Review, analyze, and transmit submittals

  • Prepare and maintain submittal logs and procurement log

  • Perform expediting functions

  • Cost code and/or verify correct codes on time sheets

  • Code Accounts Payable Workflows as assigned

  • Verify original estimate quantities for labor cost reports

  • Report quantities in place and maintain labor cost report

  • Prepare and document extra work orders

  • Review and assemble change order submittals and quantity surveys

  • Maintain PCI log in CMiC system

  • Set up and maintain a Quality Management system

  • Maintain progress photo album

  • Compile contract close out documents (O&M manuals, as-builts, etc.)

  • Maintain record set drawings

  • Document punch list work

  • Perform basic functions of Building Information Modeling and model administration

  • Complete other responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

  • 1-3 years of construction-related experience, or equivalent

  • Construction related internship experience preferred

  • Field experience a plus - e.g. carpenter

  • Basic understanding of construction cost accounting

  • Basic estimating and scheduling skills

  • Basic computer skills

  • Ability to read and understand plans and specifications

  • Effective organizational skills

  • Effective written and verbal English language communication skills

  • Ability to use independent judgment; self-starting

  • Drafting and advanced computer skills a plus

  • Knowledge of virtual construction technology systems preferred

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range:

$72,000.00 - $90,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.

In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.

Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

Job Number: J12420

If you're interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.

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