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Power System Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

347 Group, Inc.

Be Seen First

Power Systems Engineer - Onsite

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$93K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Knowledgeable with electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device ... application, setting and substation design required / experience preferred. * Professional Engineer ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$119K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

baker

Sr. Power Systems Engineer (PE)

Baker, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Perform and review power system analyses including short-circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, load flow, and power quality studies. * Lead technical coordination and utility interconnection ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$119K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$119K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$119K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

Ontario, CA

$119K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Electrical Consultants, Inc.

Protection Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Protection Engineer, the successful candidate will provide power system protection services ... including system model development, short circuit analysis, relay settings development, area ...

Baker-Electric

Sr. Power Systems Engineer (PE)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform and review power system analyses including short-circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, load flow, and power quality studies. * Lead technical coordination and utility interconnection ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Power System Protection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,437 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

System Protection & Studies Team Lead

HDR

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

In the role of System Protection & Studies Team Lead, we'll count on you to:
  • Assist in the responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
  • May function as an Assistant Project Manager and assist in responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities
  • Assist with administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
  • Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews
  • Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues
  • Assist in ensuring that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
  • Implement, monitor and support company policy
  • Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel
  • Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
  • Perform other duties as needed

Due to client contract requirements, US citizenship or Permanent Resident Status (Greencard holder) is required.

#LI-JF1

Keywords: System Protection & Studies Team Lead, systems protection

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) license 
  • 7 years of experience doing electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design is highly preferred. 
  • Preference will be given to candidates local to the Irvine, CA area. 
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm 
  • Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility is considered a plus. 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 7 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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