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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in California

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CAJob type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is ... Exposure to relay testing and protection scheme implementation * FE/EIT or PE certification (or in ...

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Job type: Full-time / Hybrid Position Summary ETAP is ... Exposure to relay testing and protection scheme implementation * FE/EIT or PE certification (or in ...

Sr. Relay Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Sr. Relay Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.

Sr. Relay Technician

Sr. Relay Technician

EPS

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Relay Technician

About The Company: 

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization specializing in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Perks:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Talent Development – Instructor-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
  • Career Path Planning
  • Incentives for Professional Certifications
  • Competitive Per Diem for Travel
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is between $70-85 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and troubleshooting relays in electrical power stations. Your duties involve using relay test equipment and tools to test several types of relays inside the electrical substation. 


  • Lead safety briefings on job site, identify, eliminate, or mitigate hazards. 
  • Utilize Human Performance Error Elimination concepts and tools.  
  • Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. 
  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and function testing of substation control circuits on relay panel, transformer & circuit breaker change-outs.   
  • Ability to analyze event records and make informed deductions   
  • Develop Project Execution, Commissioning, Outage Sequence & Energization Procedures. 
  • Project management of large scale and complex projects. 
  • Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I   
  • Interact with customers. 
  • Perform complex troubleshooting. 
  • Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze the operation of the relay based on the fault type run. 
  • Lead investigations of electrical related issues, including root cause analysis as needed. 
  • Calibrate & perform functional tests on both electromechanical and microprocessor based protective relays for substations. 
  • Function as an on-site lead for the project, assign tasks, prioritize activities and interface with customers. 
  • Read and fully understand protection and control schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams and catch mistakes and problems with the drawings and design when comparing with accepted engineering and customer standards. 
  • Determine and interpret customer’s requirements and provide final deliverables including as built prints and all test results meeting specified requirements. 
  • Understand manufactures’ literature to facilitate testing.  

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.

  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check. 
  • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a safe driving record. 
  • Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations. 
  • Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits. 
  • Knowledge of relay test software. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Experience installing, maintaining, testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment.  

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical/Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred 
  • 5+ Years of Relevant Industry Experience 
  • NETA III/IV Certified, preferred 

Physical Requirements:  

  • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs. 

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, age or any other characteristics protected by state or federal laws. 

EPS does not work with individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies, and will not recognize claim to any unsolicited resumes or candidate information.

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