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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in California

HDR

System Protection and Studies Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform ... Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points. * Perform ...

HDR

System Protection and Studies Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform ... Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points. * Perform ...

347 Group, Inc.

Be Seen First

Power Systems Engineer - Onsite

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $132K/yr

... electrical system protection concepts. Duties and Responsibilities * Perform protective relay ... Professional Engineer (PE) license. * Knowledgeable with power system analysis software: CAPE ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

Overview Protection Engineer - Power & Mechanical Systems Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA ... drive power systems. * Provide protection system specifications and relay settings for new ...

Aveva

Power Engineer

Irvine, CA

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

Power System Protection Relay Engineer information

See California salary details

$55.3K

$116.2K

$177.1K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system protection relay 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power System Protection Relay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Relay Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, with expertise in power systems and relay protection principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard protection relays (e.g., SEL, ABB, GE), relay coordination software, and relevant standards (such as IEEE and NERC) is essential, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring system reliability, minimizing outages, and safeguarding equipment and personnel in complex electrical networks.

What are some common challenges faced by Power System Protection Relay Engineers in the field?

Power System Protection Relay Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating protection schemes across complex power grids, ensuring reliable relay settings, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. They must troubleshoot and resolve relay misoperations, often under time-sensitive conditions to minimize system downtime. Additionally, keeping up with industry standards and maintaining clear communication with operations, maintenance, and planning teams are essential for effective system protection and safety.

What does a Power System Protection Relay Engineer do?

A Power System Protection Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, testing, and maintaining the protective relays and systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment. They ensure that faults or abnormal conditions are quickly detected and isolated to prevent damage and maintain system stability. Their work involves analyzing power system behavior, programming relay settings, conducting system studies, and troubleshooting issues to ensure reliable and safe operation of electrical networks.

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

AspectPower System Protection Relay EngineerPower System Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires electrical engineering degree, certifications in protection relays (e.g., IEEE, CEA)Requires electrical engineering degree, often with power systems specialization
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and commissioning protection relay systems in substations and power plantsPlanning, analyzing, and managing overall power system operations and infrastructure
Industry UsageFocused on protection schemes, relay settings, and fault analysisBroader scope including system stability, load flow, and grid integration

The Power System Protection Relay Engineer specializes in designing and maintaining protection relay systems to ensure grid safety, while the Power System Engineer oversees the overall power network operations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise but differ in focus and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in California? For Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs in California are:
Power System Protection Relay Engineer jobs near you
System Protection and Studies Engineer

System Protection and Studies Engineer

HDR

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 352 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.
HDR Engineering is looking for a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.
The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform engineering tasks with varying levels of complexity, which are assigned by a Lead Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Project Manager.
In the role of System Protection and Studies, we'll count on you to:
  • Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points.
  • Perform protective relay coordination studies utilizing short-circuit modeling software.
  • Develop relay setting files utilizing relay vendor software.
  • Produce relay coordination compliance reports for applicable NERC-PRC standards.
  • Develop SCADA point list.
  • Produce communication settings for protective relays.
  • Produce required client protective relay reports.
  • Provide protective relay construction support.
  • Provide P&C support with scheme development and design reviews.
  • Work under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer, APM, or PM.
  • Work independently on tasks and may assist senior engineers on larger, more complex projects.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Work with assistance from Project Engineers, other Electrical EITs or Technicians as needed
  • Coordinate with other substation design disciplines (i.e., P&C design teams)
  • Perform other duties as needed

#LI-JF1
Keywords: Systems Protection and Studies Engineer, substation, SCADA, electrical engineering, electrical engineer, power system analysi
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • 4 years of experience doing electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design is highly preferred.
  • Preference will be given to candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility is considered a plus.

Qualifications
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

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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

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