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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

EPS

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Relay Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,160 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Ontario, CA • On-site

$119K - $184K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) is a leading power engineering consultant firm that provides engineering, system planning and studies, technical consultation, project management, surveying, environmental planning, commissioning/testing and construction services to electric utilities, energy developers and industrials throughout the U.S. Our experience includes system voltages from 4.16 kV through 765 kV.
ECI has an immediate opening for a Protection Engineer. As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area coordination studies, standards development, relay operation analysis, and technical reviews of drawings and relay settings. The successful candidate will also be in charge of mentoring less experienced engineers via direct training and technical review of work.
Minimum Requirements: BSEE or equivalent degree; 5+ years protection engineering experience; SEL Relay Setting Experience; ASPEN OneLiner or PSSE CAPE experience; excellent verbal/written communication skills; strong organization and planning skills; ability to work in a team environment; commitment to quality and accuracy; and a willingness to meet fast-paced project schedules required. P.E. license preferred. The successful applicant may be subject to client-mandated drug and background checking. Occasional travel/driving is required; therefore, the successful applicant will be subject to ECI's auto insurance carrier requirements.
Compensation Range: $119,000 - $184,000 Annually
Salary commensurate with experience and education. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k), profit sharing and employee stock ownership plan
  • Paid vacation, personal days and holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Continued professional education reimbursement

Electrical Consultants, Inc. (ECI) employs over 850 engineers, designers, project managers, surveyors, ROW agents, environmental planners, construction professionals and support staff in 37 offices across the U.S. The firm has more than 40 years of experience in the planning, engineering, and construction of a wide range of power delivery projects including substations, transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems and industrial facilities.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

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