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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in California

Process Control Engineer III

Middletown, CA · On-site

$109K - $139K/yr

Process Control Engineer III - Qualifications * Bachelor's degree Engineering * 10+ yrs related ... Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with ...

Process Control Engineer III - Qualifications * Bachelor's degree Engineering * 10+ yrs related ... Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with ...

Jr. QC Engineer

Union City, CA · On-site

$21 - $36/hr

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Quality Control Engineer to support incoming ... Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack ...

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Quality Control Engineer to support incoming ... Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack ...

Protection & Controls Engineer, Senior

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Providing technical leadership and support to a team of engineers and designers to develop protection, control, and metering system design for electrical substations ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV from ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protection And Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$66.6K

$116.5K

$181.6K

How much do protection and control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in California is $116,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Protection And Control Engineer vs Relay Technician?

AspectProtection And Control EngineerRelay Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, relevant certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized relay training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and commissioning of protection systems in substations and power plantsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of relays on-site
Industry UsageUsed by utilities, power generation companies, and industrial plantsPrimarily employed by utilities and maintenance contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilities of protection engineersTechnical repair and maintenance of relays and protection devices

Protection And Control Engineers focus on designing, testing, and overseeing protection systems in power networks, requiring higher-level engineering credentials. Relay Technicians handle installation and maintenance of relays, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in power systems but differ in scope, responsibilities, and qualifications.

How does a Protection and Control Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a power system project?

Protection and Control Engineers work closely with various teams such as design, commissioning, operations, and maintenance throughout a project. They coordinate with design teams to ensure protection schemes align with system requirements, communicate with field engineers during installation and commissioning to address technical challenges, and collaborate with operations staff to resolve protection issues post-deployment. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers often bridge the gap between theoretical design and practical implementation.

What are Protection and Control Engineers?

Protection and Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They develop relaying schemes, coordinate protection devices, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of substations and transmission lines. Their work helps prevent equipment damage, minimize power outages, and maintain the safety of utility workers and the public. Protection and Control Engineers often use advanced software tools for system analysis and relay settings, and they play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

What is a protection and Control Engineer?

A Protection and Control Engineer designs, implements, and maintains systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults and abnormal conditions. They work with relays, circuit breakers, and control schemes to ensure system reliability and safety, often using specialized software and adhering to industry standards. This role requires technical knowledge of electrical systems and troubleshooting skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards, relay coordination software (like SEL, GE, or ABB), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical power systems in utility and industrial environments.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Protection and Control Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Earning $500,000 is uncommon and usually requires senior positions, extensive experience, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying sectors such as energy or consulting firms. Achieving such a high income may also involve bonuses, profit sharing, or advanced certifications.

What is the highest salary for a QC engineer?

A Protection and Control Engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but senior roles in the field can reach salaries of $100,000 or more annually. High-level positions often require specialized knowledge of electrical systems, protective relays, and control schemes, along with relevant certifications. Compensation also depends on the complexity of projects and the size of the employing organization.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Protection and Control Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the energy or utility sectors. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for this specific engineering role.
What are popular job titles related to Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California? For Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,498 per year, or $56 per hour.
Water Resource Control Engineer

Water Resource Control Engineer

State Water Resources Control Board

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.
The State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Financial Assistance is seeking Water Resource Control Engineers for the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Section in the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions Branch. The ideal candidate is dedicated to helping small communities across California with interim drinking water supplies and emergency repairs while being part of a high-performing organizational culture where fellow staff, customers, and our partners are respected and valued.
If you're passionate about public service and making a difference, this could be the opportunity for you! Apply today and help California communities to improve public health, environment, and economy by equitably funding projects to deliver clean and safe drinking water. The position is located at 1001 I Street, 16th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814, next to light rail stations and other public transportation.
Duties:
Under the close supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer, the Water Resource Control Engineer (WRCE) will work on a variety of complex professional engineering tasks related to planning, design, construction, management, and implementation of drinking water projects that are part of the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions Branch. The WRCE is expected to work cooperatively with other agency staff and interested parties, prepares funding application documents, and manages projects with executed funding agreements. The WRCE is also expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal/external customers, follow through on commitments, and to solicit and consider internal/external customer input when completing work assignments. Specific responsibilities are included in the attached duty statement.
Additional information:
Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.
If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid Driver's License. Please do not include full social security number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.
In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.
Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. E mployees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.
In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-521456
Position #(s):
880-550-3846-203
Working Title:
Water Resource Control Engineer
Classification:
WATER RESOURCE CONTROL ENGINEER $6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$9,137.00 - $11,437.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board
Department Information
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.
Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
Special Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must include the following:
  • RPA# 25-550-185 in the "Examination or Job Title(s)" section of the state application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).
Must have Water Resource Control Engineer list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.
Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2925 .
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members .
Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.
In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/26/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Water Resources Control Board
Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Cover letter is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Technical knowledge and understanding of groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater projects.
  • Knowledge and experience working with regulations, policies, plans and/or guidelines.
  • Ability to work effectively with teams and stakeholders with diverse cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Strong organizational and program management skills and the ability to meet quality and deadline expectations on complex assignments and projects.
  • Ability to promote collaborative relationships and provide excellent customer service.

  • Benefits
    Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS .
    Contact Information
    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
    Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
    Human Resources Contact:
    Danielle Klemencic
    (916) 319-8293
    Danielle.Klemencic@Waterboards.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Karmina Padgett
    (916) 341-5642
    karmina.padgett@waterboards.ca.gov
    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
    EEO Contact:
    Shyla Hoffman
    (916) 341-5881
    shyla.hoffman@waterboards.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
    Statement of Qualifications
    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than three (3) pages in length, using Arial font size 12 and normal margins.
    On your SOQ, you must list each "Desirable Qualification" identified above and describe your experience, knowledge, and abilities as they are related to the Desirable Qualification section of this bulletin. You must provide specific examples for each Desirable Qualification factor.
    Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.
    For guidance on writing effective SOQs, visit: Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications . Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be useful in the development of written responses; however, it is important to use these tools responsibly and ethically. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
    Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response t...