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Power Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Expert knowledge in data center power delivery system design, including energy storage. * Profound knowledge in ...

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Traction Power Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description What we do Wescom Solutions provides systems engineering ... Position Summary Wescom Solutions is seeking a Traction Power Engineer for support on major rail ...

Traction Power Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Description What we do Wescom Solutions provides systems engineering, construction management, and ... Position Summary Wescom Solutions is seeking a Traction Power Engineer for support on major rail ...

This role combines power engineering expertise with software skills to support ETAP software testing, customer support, training, engineering services, and the development of next-generation ...

This role combines power engineering expertise with software skills to support ETAP software testing, customer support, training, engineering services, and the development of next-generation ...

Job Title: Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type ... With a global footprint and a strong focus on innovation, ETAP delivers advanced engineering ...

Job Title: Electrical Power Engineer - Protection Division Location: Irvine, CA Work Type ... With a global footprint and a strong focus on innovation, ETAP delivers advanced engineering ...

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 Engineering information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$96K

$168.8K

How much do power engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for power engineering 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 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 principles, power systems analysis, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like ETAP, MATLAB, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of grid codes and safety regulations, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure reliable power generation and distribution, compliance with safety standards, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Power Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectPower EngineeringElectrical Engineering
CertificationsProfessional Engineer (PE), Power Engineering licensesPE, Electrical Engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentPower plants, energy generation, transmissionDesign, electronics, control systems, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in energy, utilities, and power sectorsBroadly across electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing

Power Engineering focuses on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, often working in energy plants and utility companies. Electrical Engineering has a broader scope, including electronics, control systems, and various industries. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, Power Engineering specializes in power systems, making it ideal for careers in energy and utilities.

What is power engineering?

Power engineering is a branch of electrical engineering that focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power. Power engineers work with systems and equipment that produce and deliver electricity, ensuring that it is reliable and efficient. This field involves designing power plants, managing renewable energy sources, maintaining electrical grids, and improving energy efficiency in various industries. Power engineers play a critical role in supporting modern infrastructure and the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by power engineers when working on large-scale energy projects?

Power engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and regulatory standards. They must also address technical issues related to grid reliability, integration of renewable energy sources, and evolving technology requirements. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful project outcomes.

What do you do as a power engineer?

A power engineer designs, operates, and maintains electrical power systems, including generators, transformers, and distribution equipment. They ensure the reliable and efficient supply of electricity, often working with control systems, safety protocols, and industry standards. Certification and technical skills in electrical engineering are typically required for this role.
What cities in California are hiring for Power Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Power Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,030 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Director, Power Engineering

Google

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Google rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 241 rated software companies


Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 15 years of experience working in hardware, power delivery design, including AC/DC, DC/DC converter design and board bring up and debugging.
  • 10 years of experience in technical leadership and engineering management.

Preferred qualifications:
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Expert knowledge in data center power delivery system design, including energy storage.
  • Profound knowledge in power electronics fundamentals and various power conversion designs for data center power delivery, including modeling & simulation.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, resolve complex technical trade-offs, and drive consensus across large, globally distributed engineering organizations.
  • Proven track record of successfully architecting and shipping volume hardware products directly to the data center.

About the job
The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what's possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.
We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $275000 - $382000 (USD) 30% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a comprehensive power delivery, power management roadmap and solutions for Google's data center hardware spanning ML TPU, GPU, networking, server compute, Storage and any additional computing hardware. Support solutions for data center.
  • Drive leading edge power delivery, power management and energy storage solutions from early architecture through to volume production and data center deployment. Anticipate, troubleshoot, and mitigate complex, fleet-wide deployment challenges in a high-demand environment.
  • Steer technical engagements and partnerships with suppliers and ecosystem partners to ensure high-quality, high-yield volume manufacturing.
  • Serve as the ultimate technical authority on system-level performance.
  • Elevate the engineering standards across the organization. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to senior engineers across hardware, silicon, and data center operations teams.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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