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Power System Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Power Electronics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

The Role You will be responsible for designing some of the highest power systems ever flown in ... Experience with load switch design and power path protection schemes * Experience with power stage ...

Radiant

Principal Power Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $314K/yr

Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and ... Experience in analyzing system stability, protection behavior, and fault response in complex ...

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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
ELEC ENGINEER III - DISTRIBUTION : SIGN ON BONUS!

ELEC ENGINEER III - DISTRIBUTION : SIGN ON BONUS!

City Light & Power, Inc

Corona, CA • On-site

$116K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description
CLP Engineering: Engineering Built on Utility Operations Experience
CLPE is a high-growth electric utility solutions firm that combines the technical depth of a consultant with the hands-on insight of a utility operator, unlike any other firm. Through our sister company City Light & Power, Inc. (CLP), we support massive, 50-year utility privatization contracts nationwide, giving our team unmatched stability and a front-row seat to the operation of over 50 substations and extensive microgrid networks.
Why CLPE?
  • End-to-End Exposure: At CLPE, we have no silos. Our engineers manage the full project lifecycle-from planning and design to field commissioning and operations.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: CLPE stands out for its expertise in cutting-edge technology. Join us to take a lead role in advanced microgrid projects (500kW to 10MW) and smart grid implementation.
  • Balanced Impact: Enjoy a healthy mix of office-based design and field-based execution.
  • Purpose-Driven Culture: Quickly grow your career in an environment built on accountability, integrity, and collaboration in the mission to modernize the national grid.
City Light & Power/CLP Engineering has been recognized by The Denver Post as one of the top workplaces for 2025!
Sign-On Bonus:
We are pleased to offer a $10,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates joining our engineering team. Bonus is paid according to company policy.
Position Description:
CLP Engineering (CLPE) is growing our engineering team in Corona, and seeking a motivated Electrical Engineer III-Distribution Design with 5-8 years of engineering/utility industry experience to join us. Underground Distribution design experience strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in designing sub-transmission systems, substations, switching stations, and commercial/industrial power distribution system.
  • Develop concept design alternatives, engineering calculations, analysis, and engineering estimates for small-scale system improvement projects for substations and distribution systems.
  • Create, update, and maintain GIS database for large-scale electrical distribution systems
  • Perform site surveys for new utility service requests, develop concept design alternatives and present alternatives to CLPE management and the customer.
  • Assist Lead Engineers with major capital upgrade projects.
  • Analyze electrical fault events, power quality issues, system loading scenarios and assist with implementing corrective actions.
  • Gain and maintain intermediate knowledge of power system protection and relaying schemes for electrical distribution system.
  • Create system model for large-scale power system in ETAP (or similar software) and perform various power system analysis/studies.
  • Schedule and attend field walk-downs with our Customers to understand and determine project requirements.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Skills | Knowledge | Experience:
  • BS degree, Electrical Engineering, from an accredited university (required). Power systems emphasis (preferred).
  • Five-eight (5-8) years' electrical engineering work experience-Underground Distribution design experience (strongly preferred).
  • Knowledgeable with power system analysis, distribution system modeling, and protective device coordination
  • PE License (strongly preferred)
  • Experience with medium voltage electrical substations and distribution system
  • Experience with ETAP or similar software.
  • Must be a Team Player with excellent oral and written communication skills

Work Authorization | Security Clearance:
  • Due to the nature of our work as a Federal Contractor, candidates must be a US Citizen.
  • Obtain access to a military installation
  • Valid driver's license is required with a record that meets the CLP Fleet Policy.

Travel:
  • Up to 20% to client sites outside CA.

Benefits | Compensation:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, 401k with company contribution, paid time off and paid holidays.
  • $10,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates.
  • Salary range: $116,000-$155,000/year based on experience plus eligible to participate in Short Term Incentive Plan.
    • We reserve the right to pay more or less than the posted salary range based on factors unrelated to sex.
Work Environment and Culture
We're a family-owned company, and we build our culture the same way-intentionally. We know that people do their best work when they enjoy where they work. Our engineering team is collaborative, energetic, and genuinely enjoys solving problems together.
The Employee First mentality shows up in meaningful ways: a hybrid work schedule, strong work-life balance, provided lunches, after-hours gatherings, Engineering Week celebrations, and even raffles. It's a culture where you're supported, appreciated, and encouraged to thrive.
Growth and Career Development
Our engineers consistently say the same thing: they grow faster here.
At CLPE, you won't be boxed into a narrow role. Engineers work across all areas of design and execution, gaining broad exposure and deep expertise. One moment you may be developing concepts and solutions-soon after, troubleshooting and commissioning a system you helped design. This unique combination of operations and consulting creates an environment where engineers quickly become confident, capable experts in their field. When we say "full project lifecycle," we mean it-every step, every phase, every part.
Learn more about CLP Engineering www.clp-engineering.com and our sister company www.clpinc.com. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/Disabled/Veterans. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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