Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in California

The Opportunity
Ulteig is seeking a qualified System Protection Engineer to serve as a technical lead on protective relay projects, compliance studies, and related work within the Automation, Integration, and System Protection (AISP) Department. This position is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and commissioning protection and control systems, primarily for hydroelectric facilities and associated substations, while also providing broader support across Ulteig's system protection engineering initiatives.
This role requires periodic travel throughout California to support field activities, which may include site walkdowns, commissioning, troubleshooting, demolition and construction support, and other related tasks. Candidates must be based in California and willing to travel statewide, and occasionally out of state, as project needs require.
What You'll Do

• Develop complete design packages for protective relay replacement projects that include one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring connection diagrams, communication diagrams, and other associated deliverables.

• Perform field demolition and construction support, lead on-site commissioning activities, and lead on-site or remote troubleshooting support for protective relay replacement projects.

• Provide technical guidance to engineers and technicians

• Apply protection system engineering practices and principles in the following areas: transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communication-assisted protection schemes

• Develop relay settings files, create or update calculation worksheet templates, develop test plans, and perform protection system event analysis

• Create SCADA point lists, remote terminal unit (RTU) programs, human-machine interfaces (HMI's), meter programs, metering overviews, and calculations

• Develop plans, specifications, and observation reports to see that these items are complete, accurate, and in accordance with sound engineering practice

• Apply current, standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to complete engineering tasks

• Practice efficiency engineering as it pertains to design selection

• Recommend alterations to development and design to improve quality

• Prepare reports and correspondence concerning the direction of assigned projects

• Effectively communicate and interact with clients to ensure we are meeting their needs

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.
What We Expect from You

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent) required; Master's Degree in Engineering is a plus
• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) registration required, or the ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Experience: 4+ years of engineering experience required; commissioning experience is a plus.
• Design Deliverables: Experience producing and/or reviewing one-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel elevations, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Commissioning: On-site commissioning experience in one or more of the following is a plus: CT/PT wiring injection and verification, Protective relay testing, End-to-end relay testing, Functional verification of protection schemes, CT/PT burden/load verification
• Field Support: Experience providing on-site demolition and construction engineering support is a plus
• Troubleshooting: Experience troubleshooting protection and control schemes is a plus
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of HV substation equipment and MV electrical apparatus, including station service, MV switchgear, and protective relaying.
• Protection Applications: Experience applying protection engineering practices for one or more of the following: transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communications-assisted protection schemes
• Standards: Familiarity with protection and control design standards is a plus
• Compliance: Familiarity with NERC PRC standards is a plus
• SCADA: Knowledge of SCADA systems and programming is a plus.
• Codes: Knowledge of NEC and California Electrical Code (CEC) is a plus.
• Technical Tools: Proficiency in SEL AcSELerator Quickset, SEL AcSELerator RTAC, SEL SynchoWAVe, ASPEN OneLiner, GE Enervista UR Setup, EasyPower, ETAP, and AutoCAD is a plus
• General Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); Copilot/GenAI prompting
• Work Style: Effective in dynamic, team-driven, in-office settings and self-directed when working remotely
• Culture Add: Demonstrates a positive, collaborative mindset and actively contributes to a respectful, team-first culture by bringing energy, accountability, and constructive communication to daily work
• Travel: Willingness to travel 20-30% of the time (may vary by project)
• Driving: Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving standards.
• Work Authorization: Must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.

As you consider applying for a position at Ulteig, we encourage you to think outside the box - because we do! You might not meet 100% of the skills listed in a description, but we are committed to hiring people with exceptional talent, ability and potential, and then creating an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves. We don't want to miss out on the possibility of speaking with the next outstanding Ulteig team member, so please apply if you think this role is a great match for your unique skills and strengths. And, yes, relevant military experience is absolutely considered for transitioning service members.
What You Can Expect from Ulteig
Ulteig is a purpose driven organization that has built a culture focused on people - both our clients and our employees -for over 80 years. Working at Ulteig is more than a job, opening opportunities to make an impact by creating and solving for a sustainable future. We recognize our success relies heavily on the dedication and focus of our workforce; this is why we make investing in our employees a top priority. We prioritize flexibility and staying connected to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. We value your unique perspective, respect your individuality and celebrate your contributions. At Ulteig, we take our own success and the success of our clients personally.
We offer our team members:• Flexible Workplace
• Employee Ownership
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Collaborative Environment
• Innovative Culture
Our vision is to be the most trusted partners transforming our world's critical infrastructure. Ulteig connects people and resources to develop compelling, integrated solutions across multiple Lifeline Sectors®, including Power, Renewables, Transportation and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America's essential infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients.
At Ulteig, we care deeply about our team, listening to their needs and ensuring they have the tools necessary to be productive whether they choose to work remotely, hybrid or in office. Regardless of where you work, you are empowered to build a workday that best suits your strengths. We strive to ensure a balance and separation between home and work life. We support a flexible working schedule so employees are able to focus on what's important to them.
If you would like to be a part of a company that empowers their employees, apply today!
Ulteig is a Drug Free Workplace
ACHIEVE | GROW | COLLABORATE
Additional Opportunity Details:
Target Base Compensation Range for this role is $122,100-$165,400
* Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary include your job specific skills, education, training, job location, number of years of experience related to this role and comparison to other employees already in this role
This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 60 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.
Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: to protect the interests of all parties, Ulteig Engineers, Inc., will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate or an approved vendor that has a written and signed agreement in place with Ulteig. Please do not contact or forward resumes to our company employees or locations. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered Ulteig property. Ulteig is not responsible for any charges or fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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