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Entry Level Power System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Systems Engineer (Active Directory) Location: Reston, VA Duration: 6+ months Interview Process ... Proficiency in VBScript and/or Power Shell. Additional Information Consultant Details: Full Name:

Field Engineer 1 is an entry-level electrical engineering position responsible for supporting electrical engineering design and analysis efforts. The role includes assisting in power system modeling ...

Field Engineer 1 is an entry-level electrical engineering position responsible for supporting electrical engineering design and analysis efforts. The role includes assisting in power system modeling ...

Field Engineer 1 is an entry-level electrical engineering position responsible for supporting electrical engineering design and analysis efforts. The role includes assisting in power system modeling ...

Power Electronics Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Electrical Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Develop prototype testing hardware and methods for power electronics systems and controls.

Power Electronics Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Electrical Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Develop prototype testing hardware and methods for power electronics systems and controls.

RF Engineer Location: Ashburn, VA Terms: Fulltime, onsite position. About Chartis Federal Chartis ... Evaluate and design power systems supporting wireless communications systems including solar power

Radio Frequency Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

RF Engineer Location: Ashburn, VA Terms: Fulltime, onsite position. About Chartis Federal Chartis ... Evaluate and design power systems supporting wireless communications systems including solar power

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Power System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level power system engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level power system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Power System Engineer, you need a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles, power systems analysis, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, ETAP, or PSS®E, as well as basic knowledge of SCADA systems, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you solve complex problems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring the reliable design, analysis, and operation of power systems in a dynamic energy sector.

What is the difference between Entry Level Power System Engineer vs Power Systems Technician?

AspectEntry Level Power System EngineerPower Systems Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; internships preferredAssociate degree or technical certification in electrical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and planning in office or lab settingsFieldwork and maintenance in power plants or substations
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, engineering firms, renewable energy companiesPower generation, distribution companies, maintenance providers

Entry Level Power System Engineers focus on designing and analyzing power systems, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Power Systems Technicians handle maintenance and troubleshooting, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the power industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an entry level power system engineer do?

An Entry Level Power System Engineer assists in the design, analysis, and maintenance of electrical power systems, such as transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to perform tasks like power flow studies, equipment specification, and system modeling. Their responsibilities may also include supporting project documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and helping resolve technical issues. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in electrical engineering within the power industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level power system engineer expect in their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Power System Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as assisting with power flow studies, grid modeling, and supporting senior engineers in system analysis and design. Typical responsibilities include data collection, running simulations with specialized software, preparing technical reports, and occasionally participating in field visits to substations or generation sites. You'll likely collaborate closely with more experienced engineers, project managers, and sometimes utility clients, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and industry best practices. This hands-on experience is valuable for learning the intricacies of power systems and building a solid foundation for future advancement.
Infographic showing various Entry Level Power System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

$84K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power Systems Automation Engineer in Sales & Customer Service you'll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.

As a Power Systems Automation Engineer a typical day might include the following:

  • Helping customers apply SEL products through visits, demonstrations, training courses and telephone contact.
  • Maintaining and improving knowledge of power systems automation solutions and all related SEL products.
  • Provide solutions to a wide variety of increasingly difficult problems and these solutions are imaginative, thorough, and practical.
  • Participate and present at SEL marketing and sales activities, industry technical meetings, and conferences.
  • Teach SEL University courses.
  • Contributing to and reviewing white papers, application guides, industry journals, and technical papers.

This job might be for you ifyou:

  • Have aBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineeringor equivalent.
  • Have 6+ years of experience in power systems automation and communication.
  • Have relevant experience with utility/industrial power systems, focusing on automation, communications, and control, including:
    • SCADA fundamentals and protocols (DNP3, Modbus, SEL, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA).

    • RTUs, RTACs, IEDs, SEL Relays (3XX-8XX series).

    • PLCs, HMIs.

    • Serial (EIA-232, EIA-485) and Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP) communications.

    • Firewalls, Security Gateways (SEL-362X).

    • Terminal Servers (SEL-3610), Cellular Routers (SEL-3061 or equivalent), Managed Network Switches, SDN.

    • IEC 61131-3 programming (Structured Text, Continuous Function Chart, Ladder Diagram).

    • Troubleshooting with Wireshark.

  • Desire to learn how the power system transmits and receives information between protective devices and the operational systems.
  • Desire to be involved in the cutting-edge technology of communication technology and protocols.
  • Enjoying solving complex problems and delighting customers.
  • Are astrong communicator with excellent technical training, speaking, writing, and customer service skills.

Location

We are open to this role being located in one of the following locations:

  • Columbus, GA
  • Huntsville, AL
  • Richmond, VA
  • Little Rock, AR

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Salary Range Data

$84,000 - $160,000 per year. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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