ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grid Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grid Dynamics

Staff DevOps Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$57.75 - $79.25/hr

Grid Dynamics is a leading provider of technology consulting and advanced analytics services. They are seeking a Staff DevOps Engineer to play a key role in creating distributed and scalable ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGrid Engineer JobsGrid Engineer Jobs in California

Grid Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do grid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for grid engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grid engineer?

A Grid Engineer is a professional who designs, operates, and maintains electrical grid systems that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers. They ensure the grid runs efficiently, safely, and reliably by overseeing infrastructure such as substations, transmission lines, and distribution networks. Grid Engineers play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources, managing grid stability, and addressing outages or emergencies. Their work often involves using advanced technology and data analysis to optimize grid performance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a grid engineer?

To thrive as a Grid Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power systems, and grid operations, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with grid modeling software (such as PSS/E or PowerWorld), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help Grid Engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation and modernization of electrical grids.

How does a grid engineer typically collaborate with other departments to ensure reliable power distribution?

Grid Engineers work closely with operations, maintenance, and planning teams to monitor grid performance and quickly address any faults or outages. They often coordinate with IT specialists to implement and maintain grid automation systems, and may also interact with regulatory and compliance departments to ensure all standards are met. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Grid Engineers must translate technical data into actionable steps for various stakeholders, ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.

What is the difference between Grid Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectGrid EngineerSubstation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentPower grid infrastructure, field and officeSubstation facilities, field and office
Industry UsagePower transmission and distribution companiesUtility companies, power plants
Primary FocusDesign, maintenance, and optimization of power gridsDesign, construction, and maintenance of substations

While both roles involve electrical engineering within the power industry, Grid Engineers focus on the overall power transmission network, ensuring efficient and reliable grid operation. Substation Engineers specialize in the design and maintenance of substations, which are critical nodes within the grid. Both roles require similar credentials and often work together to ensure a stable power supply.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Grid Engineer jobs in California?

For Grid Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Grid Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Grid Engineer job openings:

Grid Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grid Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Staff Electrical Engineer - Inverter & Grid Integration

Mainspring Energy

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$182K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Mainspring

Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.

The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:

  • Pragmatic Optimism
  • Excellence without Ego
  • Proactive Collaboration

Job Overview

The technology that powers Mainspring's Linear Generator is unlike any other generator technology on the market. The Linear Generator relies on innovative electrical power and control hardware systems to achieve its best-in-class efficiency while meeting the world's strictest emissions requirements. These electrical hardware systems are designed by a talented team of electrical engineers that own hardware design from initial concept through test and manufacturing.

We have a highly impactful opportunity for an electrical engineer to be part of the team that is responsible for the Linear Generator's power delivery and integration into customers' power systems. You will own the selection, integration, configuration, and performance of commercial off-the-shelf inverters used in Mainspring's Linear Generator System.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the selection, sizing, and configuration of industrial grid-interactive off-the-shelf (OTS) inverters in the 100kW to 1MW+ range

  • Manage Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) root-cause investigations serve as the principal technical escalation authority for severe grid stability and power quality issues 

  • Architect next-generation power delivery topologies, focusing on grid-interactive inverter selection and 1500 Vdc bus integration

  • Architect and lead the strategy for microgrid integration, black-start operational sequences, and grid-edge compliance (CA Rule 21, IEEE 1547-2018, low-voltage ride-through) across the product line

  • Develop qualification testing and integration for next-generation power system architectures

  • Lead cross-functional stage-gate design reviews across mechanical, thermal, controls, test, and software engineering teams to drive system-level alignment, performance, safety, and manufacturability

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience integrating industrial power conversion hardware or energy storage systems 

  • Expert-level troubleshooting authority for complex AC/DC power systems, with demonstrated mastery in waveform analysis, fault diagnosis, power quality, and transient grid-stability resolution.

  • Extensive hands-on expertise operating in high-voltage lab and field environments (400-800 Vac, up to 1500 Vdc), with a strong track record of championing NFPA 70E and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) best practices

  • Deep technical proficiency in architecting and debugging industrial communication protocols (Modbus TCP/RTU, CANbus, SunSpec) for power electronics control

  • Proven technical leadership in driving multi-disciplinary problem resolution, leading formal Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) programs, and mentoring engineers through the full product development lifecycle

Bonus

  • Demonstrated experience in the development, deployment, or optimization of grid-scale energy projects

  • Expertise in Protection & Control (P&C), including programming SEL or Basler relays and coordinating with utility engineers for grid interconnection

$182,000 - $213,000 a year

This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don't meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we'd still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.

In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply