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Protection Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Calpine

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 ...

Calpine

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 ...

Zoomcar

QC Engineer

Union City, CA · On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

Strong Chinese communication skills are required to support training of QC engineers in Taiwan and ... Fortinet makes possible a digital world that we can always trust through its mission to protect ...

Fortinet, Inc.

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 ...

Fortinet

Jr. QC Engineer

Union City, CA

$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 ...

Criticalarccx

QA/QC Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$90K - $190K/yr

CriticalArc is seeking qualified individuals for a QA/QC Engineer position to support a mission ... or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants ...

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All JobsProtection Control Engineer JobsProtection Control Engineer Jobs in California

Protection Control Engineer information

What is a protection control engineer?

Protection Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and ensure reliable operation. They are responsible for configuring and testing protective relays, circuit breakers, and control systems that help prevent damage to equipment and minimize power outages. Their work is critical in utilities, substations, and power generation facilities to maintain system stability and safety. These engineers also analyze system disturbances and coordinate with other teams to troubleshoot and improve protection schemes.

What are some common challenges faced by protection control engineers in coordinating with other departments during substation projects?

Protection Control Engineers often collaborate closely with design, operations, and field teams during substation projects. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication of complex protection schemes and relay settings to non-specialist colleagues, which is critical for successful project execution and system reliability. Additionally, aligning protection settings with evolving grid requirements and timelines can be demanding, as it requires balancing technical accuracy with project schedules and the input of multiple stakeholders. Proactive coordination and regular interdisciplinary meetings help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and relaying, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, often, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, CAD tools, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of NERC and IEEE standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you diagnose complex issues and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensuring the reliability, safety, and compliance of electrical protection systems in power networks.

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

AspectProtection Control EngineerProtection Relay Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, relevant certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized relay testing certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, engineering, and system integration in power plants or substationsField testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection relays
Employer & IndustryUtilities, power generation, transmission companiesSubstation service providers, utility companies, relay manufacturing firms

Protection Control Engineers focus on designing and implementing protection systems, while Protection Relay Technicians handle testing and maintaining relay equipment. Both roles are essential in ensuring power system reliability but differ in responsibilities and required skills.

What are popular job titles related to Protection Control Engineer jobs in California?

For Protection Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Protection Control Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Protection Control Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Protection Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Protection Control Engineer job openings:

Protection Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection Control Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Process Control Engineer III

Middletown, CA • On-site

Calpine Operating Services Company
See more jobs at Calpine Operating Services Companyexternal

$109K - $139K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine’s fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Process Control Engineer for Calpine Geysers – Primarily responsible for work on balance of plant and steamfield controls

Job Scope & Technical Excellence

  • Comprehensive knowledge.
  • Seasoned professional with advanced applied experience.
  • Applies advanced skills contributing to knowledge areas within function, but not yet an expert in all.
  • Develop and implement control logic changes on Allen-Bradley ControlLogix systems.
  • Support OT systems as required, including working with virtual servers and network.
  • Lead informal training sessions for Operations and colleagues on logic changes and controls skills.

Decision Making & Impact

  • Makes recommendations on moderately complex issues regarding project components and tasks.
  • May make recommendations on new processes, tools and services; supports and contributes to development of new products, services or techniques.  
  • Reviews P&IDs, PFDs, HGLs and pump curves to assist engineering with new project designs.

Work Complexity

  • Works on problems of diverse scope ranging from moderate to complex.
  • Uses independent judgment requiring in-depth analysis of variable factors. Collaborates with senior professionals in selection of methods, techniques, and analytical approach

Self-Management & Leadership

  • Works under limited supervision.
  • Prioritizes own weekly schedule and may guide others in the completion of tasks within clearly defined schedules as set by management.
  • Regularly provides on-the-job skills training to others in complex technical areas.

Process Control Engineer III - Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree Engineering
  • 10+ yrs related experience
  • Experience with RSLogix, Ovation, ABB controls system design, network design, programming, and maintenance.
  • OEM Field Service or Engineering Service experience is highly desirable.
  • Experience with VMWare ESXi and Cisco IOS a plus
  • Experience reading pump curves and sizing control valves a plus

Salary Information

  • Salary Range - $109,779.00 - $139,968.00

Additional Calpine Information

  • Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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