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Power System Protection Relay Engineer Jobs in California

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

Riverside, CA ยท 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

Riverside, CA ยท 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 ...

Strong understanding of power system engineering fundamentals, simulation concepts, and power system analysis methodologies, including areas such as load flow, short-circuit, protection and ...

Strong understanding of power system engineering fundamentals, simulation concepts, and power system analysis methodologies, including areas such as load flow, short-circuit, protection and ...

Strong understanding of power system engineering fundamentals, simulation concepts, and power system analysis methodologies, including areas such as load flow, short-circuit, protection and ...

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-time Work Shift: Hybrid We are ... Power Flow, Short Circuit, Protection & Coordination, and Dynamics. * Ability to perform detailed ...

Power System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-time Work Shift: Hybrid We are ... Power Flow, Short Circuit, Protection & Coordination, and Dynamics. * Ability to perform detailed ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Power System Engineer

Aveva

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

ETAP empowers customers to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their projects with innovative software solutions for electrical systems. By applying ETAP solutions, customers experience continuous intelligence during design and engineering and into operations and maintenance using a unified electrical digital twin platform. ETAP supports customers in their digital transformation and sustainable energy transitions for a green and smart future, helping them to prioritize safety, maximize reliability, and stay resilient.

Our employees' passion for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction is our most-prized resource. If you share that passion - and want to be part of a company that leads the energy transition towards a cleaner and more resilient world for future generations - we invite you to join us!

ETAP is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Power System EngineerLocation: Irvine, CAJob type: Full-time / Hybrid

Position Summary

ETAP is seeking a versatile Power System Engineer to support both product innovation and customer-facing engineering activities. This hybrid role combines power system studies, technical support, training, and contributions to ETAP's software development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in power system analysis and protection, along with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both deep technical work and engaging directly with customers.

Key Responsibilities

Power System Studies & Engineering

  • Perform power system modeling, analysis, and design using ETAP and similar tools

  • Conduct studies including load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, harmonics, and transient stability

  • Develop and deliver detailed technical reports and present results to stakeholders

Customer Support & Training

  • Provide technical support to customers via phone, email, and virtual sessions

  • Troubleshoot complex engineering and software-related issues

  • Deliver ETAP workshops, webinars, and training sessions to clients and internal teams

  • Ensure a high-quality, "white glove" customer experience

R&D and Product Development

  • Support ETAP software development through testing, validation, and feedback

  • Contribute to the development and enhancement of features, models, and technical documentation

  • Develop and validate protective device models and simulation scenarios

  • Collaborate with R&D, QA, and product teams to improve usability and performance

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

  • Work cross-functionally with engineering, product, and customer success teams

  • Stay current with industry standards, emerging technologies, and best practices

  • Contribute to process improvements and innovation initiatives

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in power system engineering

  • Proven experience performing power system studies using ETAP or similar software

  • Strong knowledge / expertise in:

    • Load flow analysis

    • Short circuit analysis

    • Protection coordination

    • Arc flash analysis

    • Harmonic analysis

    • Transient stability

  • Proficiency in ETAP or comparable power system analysis tools

  • Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Basic programming knowledge (C#, C++, or MATLAB) is desirable

  • Solid understanding of industry standards including IEEE, NEC, IEC, and NFPA 70E is a plus

  • Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) is a plus

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly

  • U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency/work authorization

Education

  • Bachelor's (B.S.) or Master's (M.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on Power Systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in both customer-facing and product development environments

  • Exposure to relay testing and protection scheme implementation

  • FE/EIT or PE certification (or in progress)

  • Prior experience delivering technical training or presentations

Salary Range:

65,000.00 - 108,000 USD Annual

This pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation that the position offers, and final compensation can vary within the range depending on work location, job experience, skills, and relevant educational attainment and/or training.

ETAP requires all successful applicants to undergo and pass a comprehensive background check before they start employment. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with local laws and may, subject to those laws, include proof of educational attainment, employment history verification, proof of work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, credit check. Certain positions dealing with sensitive and/or third party personal data may involve additional background check criteria.

ETAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being an exemplary employer with an inclusive culture, developing a workplace environment where all our employees are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and the expertise that people from different backgrounds bring to our business.

Come and join ETAP to create the transformative technology that enables our customers to engineer a better world.