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Geothermal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Head of Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180 - $220/hr

Our Mission To build an abundant, low-cost, 100% clean energy future through groundbreaking geothermal innovation. We are a team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries building cutting ...

Showing results 41-60

Geothermal Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$89.9K

$119.9K

How much do geothermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for geothermal engineer in California is $89,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a geothermal engineer do?

A Geothermal Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that harness heat from the Earth to generate energy or provide direct heating. They analyze geological data to determine suitable locations for geothermal projects, oversee drilling operations, and optimize the efficiency of geothermal power plants. Their work includes assessing environmental impact, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving energy extraction techniques.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a geothermal engineer?

A Geothermal Engineer should possess a strong background in geoscience, thermodynamics, and mechanical or civil engineering, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with modeling software (such as GeoCAD or reservoir simulation tools), geothermal system design, and relevant safety certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These abilities are vital for designing efficient geothermal systems, navigating multidisciplinary project teams, and ensuring safe, cost-effective energy solutions.

What challenges do geothermal engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Geothermal Engineers often face challenges such as accurately assessing underground resources, managing drilling risks, and addressing environmental or regulatory concerns. The job requires troubleshooting complex mechanical systems and adapting to site-specific geological conditions, which can be unpredictable. Collaboration with environmental scientists, project managers, and construction teams is frequent, so flexibility and clear communication are important. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding and crucial to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geothermal Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Geothermal Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Geothermal Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Geothermal Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Geothermal Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Geothermal Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Geothermal Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,864 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Process Control Engineering Specialist II

Calpine

Middletown, CA • On-site

$98K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Calpine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine’s fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)
 
Here at Calpine, the Engineering Department plays an extremely important role with ensuring that our plants are able to meet the operational demands of today. A Turbine Control Engineer Specialist is a critical asset, who communicates with all departments in the company, to provide innovative solutions to ensure current engineering standards are supported. Previous experience in plant operation and control systems, along with a willingness to explore and master new technologies, is essential for success in this engineering position. An ideal candidate here is self-motivated, highly knowledgeable, has strong problem solving skills and works well within a small team.
 
Job Responsibilities
• Solid, working knowledge.
• Experienced professional with full understanding of job, company and industry practices. 
• Performs in fully-functioning capacity, equivalent to a journey level contributor.
• Perform control logic troubleshooting on Calpine’s Siemens fleet of industrial gas turbines.
• Perform process controls tuning on steam turbines and auxiliary processes and provide post outage startup services. 
• Work with the I&C Engineering group with the development of control logic changes as they pertain to the operation of the plants.
• Implement logic changes after they have been developed in I&C Engineering and supported by the Plant Controls Team.
• Provide training to plant Operations and colleagues on control systems operation, programming and maintenance.
• Assist in troubleshooting related computer and networking problems that relate to the BOP control system
• Perform serial link programming between BOP control systems and ancillary plant systems.
• Must be willing and able to be on call and work call out duty as necessary. Must be willing to work varied hours as necessary.
 
Qualifications
 
  • Experience with RSLogix, Ovation, ABB controls system design, network design, programming, and maintenance.
  • OEM Field Service or Engineering Service experience is highly desirable.
  • Experience with VMWare ESXi and Cisco IOS a plus
  • Experience reading pump curves and sizing control valves a plus
 
Education Requirements
 
  • High School diploma, or equivalent required
  • Journey or mid-level with 15 years previous turbine maintenance experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in a related field
 
Salary Information
 
  • Range - $98,017.15 to $124,971.87 annually
 
Additional Calpine Information
 
Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.
 
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

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