1

Power Plant Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Substation Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

Substation Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team ... The Quality Engineer will execute and administer plant-wide quality management systems assurance ...

Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team ... The Quality Engineer will execute and administer plant-wide quality management systems assurance ...

Experience supporting manufacturing plant construction or battery manufacturing facilities ... Energy storage systems (ESS) * Power generation facilities * EPC or Design-Build project ...

HDR Engineering is looking for a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

Sr. Reliability Engineer

Beaumont, CA · On-site

$93K - $154K/yr

... power of food to bring people together. We're building our Engineering team within our large Asian foods plant in Beaumont , CA ! Under general supervision from our Sr. Director of the plant, the Sr. ...

HDR Engineering is looking for a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

Sr. Reliability Engineer

Beaumont, CA · On-site

$93K - $154K/yr

... power of food to bring people together. We're building our Engineering team within our large Asian foods plant in Beaumont , CA ! Under general supervision from our Sr. Director of the plant, the Sr. ...

Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for ... Experience supporting manufacturing plant construction or battery manufacturing facilities.

In the role of Transmission Line Project Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Conduct analyses to ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

In the role of Transmission Line Project Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Conduct analyses to ... standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

... plant projects * Prepares electrical design plans and specifications for new water facilities and ... Determine size for electrical services and backup power supplies * Design Motor Control Centers ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

... plant projects * Prepares electrical design plans and specifications for new water facilities and ... Determine size for electrical services and backup power supplies * Design Motor Control Centers ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

... plant projects * Prepares electrical design plans and specifications for new water facilities and ... Determine size for electrical services and backup power supplies * Design Motor Control Centers ...

... power infrastructure projects. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a ... Plant 3D * AutoPIPE * Revit * Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

The role offers exposure to a variety of technical areas, from power distribution and controls to ... Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or Plant 3D. * Working knowledge of SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower ...

Senior Substation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$104K - $133K/yr

... power infrastructure projects. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a ... Plant 3D * AutoPIPE * Revit * Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

... power infrastructure projects. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a ... Plant 3D * AutoPIPE * Revit * Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Showing results 41-60

Power Plant Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$23

$37

$63

How much do power plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant engineer in Riverside, CA is $37.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.86 and $37.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A power plant engineer maintains day-to-day operations in a power plant. Their main duties involve conducting operational tests, providing preventative maintenance on machines, inspecting thermal systems, and working closely with other plant personnel. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many engineers earn a more specialized degree in chemical, electrical, or nuclear engineering depending upon their industry. Additional qualifications for a power plant engineer include experience working as part of a team, communication skills, and strong analytical abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, plant management software, and safety compliance standards is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and ensure plant operations run smoothly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable power generation.

What is the difference between Power Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPower Plant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentPower plants, energy facilities, industrial sitesManufacturing, design firms, industrial plants, energy sectors
Industry UsageSpecific to energy generation and power productionBroad engineering applications across industries
Job FocusDesign, operation, and maintenance of power generation systemsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

Power Plant Engineers specialize in energy generation systems within power plants, focusing on operation and maintenance. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries on mechanical systems. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and job focuses differ significantly.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A Power Plant Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of power generation facilities. Their duties include overseeing equipment such as turbines, boilers, and generators to ensure efficient and safe production of electricity. They also perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and implement safety protocols. In addition, Power Plant Engineers may work on upgrading systems to improve energy efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges power plant engineers face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Plant Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring equipment reliability, troubleshooting unexpected failures, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They often need to respond quickly to operational issues, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to technological upgrades. To prepare, engineers benefit from staying updated on industry best practices, participating in ongoing training, and developing strong problem-solving and communication skills. Proactively engaging in preventive maintenance and collaborating closely with operations and maintenance teams can also help mitigate many common issues.
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Power Plant Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Power Plant Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Power Plant Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,853 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Substation Project Engineer

HDR

Irvine, CA • On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned and is an experienced, competent engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of projects of basic to moderate complexity.

Job duties include:

  • Developing design deliverables including substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation grounding, and major equipment wiring diagrams
  • Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage).
  • Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing.
  • Coordinating design activities with other departments (Civil, Structural, Transmission Line, etc.).
  • Assigns tasks and provides guidance to junior team members, and coordinates QC reviews for work performed by junior level engineers and/or designers.
  • Work with Senior Engineers and the Business Class Leader to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
  • Responsible for quality control reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
  • Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers.
  • Performing site visits during the design, construction, and as-built phases of projects.
  • Perform other duties as needed.    

#LI-JF1

Keywords: Substation Project Engineer, electrical engineer, electrical engineering, substation physical layouts, substation layouts

Preferred Qualifications
 
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
  • California P.E. License
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in substation design 
  • Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including substation layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, conduit plans and details, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material.
  • Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microstation, Microsoft Office and electrical design software (e.g., CDEGS).
  • Previous experience with an architectural/ engineering or engineering consulting firm desired.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Preference will be given candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
  • Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility considered a plus.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
  • Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917