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Power System Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ETAP

Power Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Perform power flow, short circuit analysis and protection & coordination to evaluate system impacts * Provide client support and technical issue resolution via E-Mail and phone to identify, correct ...

Aveva

Power Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Perform power flow, short circuit analysis and protection & coordination to evaluate system impacts * Provide client support and technical issue resolution via E-Mail and phone to identify, correct ...

Aveva

Senior Power System Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$112K - $153K/yr

Minimum 5 years of experience in power system studies such as load flow, short-circuit, protection and coordination, and/or transient stability analysis. * Proficiency in Python for automation, data ...

ETAP

Senior Power System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Minimum 5 years of experience in power system studies such as load flow, short-circuit, protection and coordination, and/or transient stability analysis. * Proficiency in Python for automation, data ...

K2 Space

Power Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Develop SPICE representations and models to evaluate power system parasitics, like battery ... S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected ...

Momentus Space LLC

Power Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA

$140K - $195K/yr

Provide power system expertise during system integration and performance testing Required Skills ... S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is ...

Momentus Space LLC

Power Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $195K/yr

Provide power system expertise during system integration and performance testing Required Skills ... S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is ...

K2 Space

Power Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Develop SPICE representations and models to evaluate power system parasitics, like battery ... S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected ...

Momentus Space LLC

Power Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA

$140K - $195K/yr

Provide power system expertise during system integration and performance testing Required Skills ... S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. A 1324b(a)(3) is ...

RESA Power

Power Systems Engineer I - US

San Jose, CA · On-site

Perform power system engineering assessments of electric power systems in the areas of proficiency of protection device coordination, short-circuit calculation, arc-flash hazard analysis, design ...

ETAP

Power Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Perform power flow, short circuit analysis and protection & coordination to evaluate system impacts * Provide client support and technical issue resolution via E-Mail and phone to identify, correct ...

City of Ukiah

Power Engineer

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

Perform system protection and coordination studies and review system protection equipment settings ... power factor correction, and system protection. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and oversee the ...

Aveva

Power Engineer

Irvine, CA

Perform power flow, short circuit analysis and protection & coordination to evaluate system impacts * Provide client support and technical issue resolution via E-Mail and phone to identify, correct ...

City of Ukiah, CA

Power Engineer

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

The Power Engineer provides technical staff assistance to the Electric Utility Director and works ... Perform system protection and coordination studies and review system protection equipment settings ...

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All JobsPower System Protection JobsPower System Protection Jobs in California

Power System Protection information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do power system protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for power system protection in California is $27.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Power System Protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Power System Protection, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a good understanding of power system fundamentals, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard protection relays, SCADA systems, and certifications such as NETA or IEEE are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in diagnosing issues and coordinating with cross-functional teams. These competencies are critical for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficient operation of electrical power systems.

What is power system protection?

Power system protection refers to the practices, equipment, and systems used to detect and isolate faults or abnormal conditions in electrical power systems. The main goal is to protect people, equipment, and ensure reliable power supply by quickly identifying and disconnecting faulty sections of the network. This is typically achieved using devices such as relays, circuit breakers, and protective relaying schemes. Proper power system protection improves safety, minimizes equipment damage, and reduces outage times.

What is the difference between Power System Protection vs Power System Maintenance?

AspectPower System ProtectionPower System Maintenance
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing protective relays and systems to prevent damage during faultsRoutine inspection, testing, and repair of electrical equipment to ensure reliability
Required CertificationsElectrical engineering degree, relay protection certificationsElectrical technician certifications, maintenance training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, substations, field testing sitesSubstations, power plants, field service locations
Industry UsagePower generation, transmission, distributionPower plants, substations, industrial facilities

Power System Protection focuses on designing and maintaining systems that detect faults and isolate affected parts to prevent damage, while Power System Maintenance involves routine checks and repairs to ensure overall system reliability. Both roles are essential for a stable and safe power grid but differ in their primary objectives and daily tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Power System Protection roles?

Professionals in Power System Protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, managing coordination among diverse protection devices, and ensuring system reliability during maintenance or upgrades. They must also troubleshoot complex faults quickly to minimize downtime and maintain grid stability. Effective collaboration with engineers, field technicians, and control room operators is essential to address these challenges efficiently and ensure the safety and resilience of the electrical grid.
What are popular job titles related to Power System Protection jobs in California? For Power System Protection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power System Protection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Power System Protection jobs in California are:
Power System Protection jobs near you
Protection Engineer

Protection Engineer

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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. Applicants must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status) now or in the future.
Compensation Range: $120,000 - $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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