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Power System Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Aveva

Power Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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 ...

ETAP

Power Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPower System Protection Engineer JobsPower System Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Power System Protection Engineer information

See California salary details

$55.3K

$116.2K

$177.1K

How much do power system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection engineer in California is $116,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $132,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power system protection engineer do?

A Power System Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that protect electrical power grids from faults and failures. Their work ensures the safe and reliable operation of electrical networks by detecting abnormal conditions, such as short circuits or overloads, and triggering protective devices like circuit breakers. They also analyze system performance, develop protection schemes, and coordinate with other engineers to minimize service disruptions. This role is crucial for preventing equipment damage, reducing downtime, and ensuring safety for both personnel and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power system protection engineer?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay coordination, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as ETAP, SEL AcSELerator, and knowledge of IEC and IEEE standards is crucial, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are important to ensure reliable and safe operation of electrical grids, prevent outages, and maintain system integrity.

What are the most common challenges faced by power system protection engineers in utility environments?

Power System Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new protection technologies with existing infrastructure, managing the complexity of coordinating protection settings across multiple substations, and ensuring system reliability during maintenance or upgrades. They must also stay current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity requirements. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and IT teams is essential to address these challenges and maintain the integrity and safety of the power grid.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Engineer vs Power System Engineer?

AspectPower System Protection EngineerPower System Engineer
CertificationsPE, IEEE, or equivalentPE, IEEE, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFocus on protection schemes, relay settings, and fault analysisDesign, analyze, and operate power systems broadly
Industry UsageSpecialized in protection systems within utilities and industrial plantsBroader power system design and operation roles

Power System Protection Engineers specialize in designing and maintaining protection schemes to ensure system safety, while Power System Engineers work on overall system design, analysis, and operation. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection Engineer jobs in California?

For Power System Protection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power System Protection Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

Power System Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection 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 $116,160 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Power System Protection Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)

Vacaville, CA • On-site

$84K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 160 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Power System Protection Engineer

📍 Location: Vacaville, CA or Irvine, CA


As a Power System Protection Engineer, you will provide technical expertise and support for power system protection applications and solutions. You'll work closely with customers to develop, apply, and troubleshoot protection schemes that help improve the reliability and safety of electric power systems.

At Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), our mission is to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. We are committed to quality, integrity, reliability, and exceptional customer service while providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.


What You'll Do

  • Work with customers to apply new technologies and solutions to power system applications.
  • Design models, demonstrations, and technical presentations to help customers understand and implement protection solutions.
  • Support troubleshooting efforts for SEL products and systems to identify and resolve root causes.
  • Analyze protective relay performance during power system disturbances and fault events.
  • Train and support customers on SEL products, power system protection concepts, and relay applications.
  • Contribute to and review technical papers, white papers, application guides, and industry publications.
  • Build strong customer relationships while serving as a trusted technical resource.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience with power system protection and protective relays.
  • Experience in utility and/or industrial power systems with an emphasis on protection, control, and operations.
  • Strong customer-facing skills and the ability to build professional relationships.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.


Compensation

$84,000 - $185,000 annually

Starting compensation is based on factors including experience, education, technical knowledge, and skills.

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