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Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid About ETAP ETAP is the world's leading provider of power system modeling, analysis, and real-time ...

Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid About ETAP ETAP is the world's leading provider of power system modeling, analysis, and real-time ...

Power System Engineer Job Location: Irvine, CA Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is seeking a Power System Engineer to expand our capabilities in the Data Exchange Department. The ...

Power System Engineer Job Location: Irvine, CA Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is seeking a Power System Engineer to expand our capabilities in the Data Exchange Department. The ...

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid The Power System Engineer will support the Software Deployment and Operations Division (SDOD) by contributing to ETAP software ...

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Power Engineer

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$155K - $170K/yr

Principal Power Electronics Engineer Use scientific methodologies and circuit design techniques to develop manufacturable products from a comprehensive integrated systems perspective.

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid The Power System Engineer will support the Software Deployment and Operations Division (SDOD) by contributing to ETAP software ...

Responsibilities include utilizing engineering tools and processes to successfully develop power circuitry for our internally designed ECU's. Responsibilities: * Develop and design high-efficiency ...

Power Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $450K/yr

What MatX Is Building We are looking for a Power Engineer to join our Hardware System team. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining, designing, and validating the complete power ...

Power Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $450K/yr

What MatX Is Building We are looking for a Power Engineer to join our Hardware System team. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining, designing, and validating the complete power ...

Traction Power Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Position Summary Wescom Solutions is seeking a Traction Power Engineer for support on major rail construction projects. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Support our clients and assist in ...

We are seeking a highly technical and collaborative Senior Software Product Manager to lead the strategy, development, and lifecycle management of intelligent digital energy solutions. This role will ...

Senior Power Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Vast is seeking a Senior Power Engineer to own the power system architecture and development for a new constellation-ready 15kW spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds of ...

Hardware (Power) Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

As part of the central hardware power engineering group, you will collaborate with various functions like Hardware Design and Test, ASIC Design and Test, Power Engineering, Signal Integrity, EMC ...

Hardware (Power) Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

As part of the central hardware power engineering group, you will collaborate with various functions like Hardware Design and Test, ASIC Design and Test, Power Engineering, Signal Integrity, EMC ...

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Power Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$96K

$168.8K

How much do power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for power engineer in California is $96,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Power Engineers?

Power Engineers are professionals who design, operate, maintain, and manage systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power. They work with equipment like generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and power grids to ensure reliable and efficient delivery of electricity. Power Engineers are employed in various industries, including utilities, manufacturing, and large facilities, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing energy systems. Their responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

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

To thrive as a Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with power system analysis software (such as ETAP or PSCAD), SCADA systems, and grid management tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on complex projects and convey technical information clearly. These competencies are essential for ensuring the reliable design, operation, and maintenance of power systems critical to modern infrastructure.

What is the difference between Power Engineer vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectPower EngineerMechanical Technician
CredentialsCertification (e.g., 4th or 3rd Class Power Engineer)Trade certification or diploma in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, HVAC systemsManufacturing, maintenance, equipment repair
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, industrial operationsManufacturing, maintenance services

Power Engineers and Mechanical Technicians often work in similar industrial environments, but Power Engineers focus on operating and maintaining energy systems and boilers, requiring specific certifications. Mechanical Technicians handle equipment repairs and maintenance, often with different certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but Power Engineers typically have more responsibility for system operation and safety.

What are some typical challenges Power Engineers face when working on large-scale energy projects?

Power Engineers working on large-scale energy projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations, and managing complex project timelines. Additionally, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues in power generation, transmission, or distribution systems while maintaining system reliability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful project outcomes.

What Do Power Engineers Do?

Power engineers monitor power and utility systems in an industrial or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your duties include following all processes, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to safe operating procedures. You are in charge of the facility’s entire electrical grid, including the lighting, air conditioning, water treatment, and all other power generation systems. To ensure the smooth operation of your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other systems of power transmission, you communicate and work closely with the other engineers in your company.

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 Power Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Power Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,030 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Power Engineer

Aveva

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

ETAP empowers customers to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their projects with innovative software solutions for electrical systems. By applying ETAP solutions, customers experience continuous intelligence during design and engineering and into operations and maintenance using a unified electrical digital twin platform. ETAP supports customers in their digital transformation and sustainable energy transitions for a green and smart future, helping them to prioritize safety, maximize reliability, and stay resilient.

Our employees' passion for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction is our most-prized resource. If you share that passion - and want to be part of a company that leads the energy transition towards a cleaner and more resilient world for future generations - we invite you to join us!

ETAP is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division

Location: Irvine, CA

Work Type: Full Time/ Hybrid

About ETAP
ETAP is the world's leading provider of power system modeling, analysis, and real-time simulation software. With a global footprint and a strong focus on innovation, ETAP delivers advanced engineering solutions and services to clients across a wide range of industries.

The Protection Division at ETAP is seeking a motivated, disciplined, and growth-oriented Electrical Power Engineer to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of power system protection engineering and advanced software development in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Job Summary

The Electrical Power Engineer will support the Protection Division by contributing to power system protection and coordination studies, software development, testing, and customer support activities. The position requires strong analytical skills, sound engineering judgment, and a passion for power system protection.

Key Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the innovation, enhancement, and continuous improvement of ETAP software and related documentation
  • Test existing and newly developed software features using sound engineering judgment and industry best practices
  • Develop, validate, and maintain protective device models to support ETAP applications
  • Provide technical support and product training to clients and internal teams
  • Assist with power system protection and coordination studies for assigned projects
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university (Master's degree preferred)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency/work authorization
Preferred Qualifications
  • Relevant coursework, internship, or hands-on experience in electrical power systems
  • Passed Fundamentals of Engineering (FE/EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) exam
  • Familiarity with power system studies, including protection and coordination
  • Experience with ETAP software is highly desirable
Salary Range:
65,000.00 - 108,000.00 USD Annual
This pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation that the position offers, and final compensation can vary within the range depending on work location, job experience, skills, and relevant educational attainment and/or training.

ETAP requires all successful applicants to undergo and pass a comprehensive background check before they start employment. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with local laws and may, subject to those laws, include proof of educational attainment, employment history verification, proof of work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, credit check. Certain positions dealing with sensitive and/or third party personal data may involve additional background check criteria.

ETAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being an exemplary employer with an inclusive culture, developing a workplace environment where all our employees are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and the expertise that people from different backgrounds bring to our business.

Come and join ETAP to create the transformative technology that enables our customers to engineer a better world.