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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Senior Motor Control Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$179K - $185K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Motor Control Engineer with deep technical expertise and a passion for ... Use models to inform controller structure, gains, limits, and protection strategies Controller ...

Senior Motor Control Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$179K - $185K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Motor Control Engineer with deep technical expertise and a passion for ... Use models to inform controller structure, gains, limits, and protection strategies Controller ...

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage ... Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email ...

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary The staff motor control engineer leads and contributes to the ...

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary The staff motor control engineer leads and contributes to the ...

Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary The staff motor control engineer leads and contributes to the ...

WRCE

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

... protection. Ideal candidates will have strong technical, analytical, communication, and ... Under the close supervision of a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer in the Recycled Water Unit ...

Collaborate with other teams to engineer design improvements that enhance robustness, minimize ... Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email ...

Servo Control Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $153K/yr

Collaborate with other teams to engineer design improvements that enhance robustness, minimize ... protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the ...

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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 27, 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 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 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,498 per year, or $56 per hour.
Jr. QC Engineer

Jr. QC Engineer

Fortinet, Inc.

Union City, CA • On-site

$21 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description


We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Quality Control Engineer to support incoming quality control processes for Fortinet network security products. This role involves guiding technicians, conducting hands-on testing, and collaborating with global engineering and quality teams to ensure product excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop test scripts for incoming quality control (IQC) and rework.
  • Support and guide QC technicians in performing IQC testing.
  • Independently conduct IQC tests on Fortinet products, ensuring hardware and firmware integrity.
  • Apply rework and upgrades to BIOS, OS, SMC, and CPLD components as needed.
  • Prepare tested and approved units for final shipment to customers.
  • Perform failure analysis and troubleshoot issues identified during testing.
  • Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommend solutions to recurring problems.
  • Communicate with engineering teams across regions and provide feedback to the Quality Management team.

Qualifications:
  • Strong sense of ownership, motivation, and initiative.
  • Experience with or familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Perl, Shell, SecureCRT is a plus).
  • Comfortable working in both Windows and Linux environments.
  • Solid understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, and basic network security principles.
  • Strong knowledge of computer architecture and network equipment.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Diploma or degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program.
Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. Earnings for this position are expected to be $21/hr - $36/hr. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the Company's discretion
About Us
Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) secures the largest enterprise, service provider, and government organizations around the world. Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack surface and the power to take on ever-increasing performance requirements of the borderless network - today and into the future. Only the Fortinet Security Fabric architecture can deliver security without compromise to address the most critical security challenges, whether in networked, application, cloud or mobile environments. Fortinet ranks number one in the most security appliances shipped worldwide and more than 500,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@fortinet.com.
Fortinet is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our company, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, military/veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in the location in which the candidate is applying.