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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

sunopta

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88.10K - $113.90K/yr

Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required. * All other duties, as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering ...

SunOpta

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required. * All other duties, as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering ...

sunopta

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88.10K - $113.90K/yr

Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required. * All other duties, as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$88.20K - $114.10K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements: * Designs, develops ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

This person will be responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control ... Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

SCADA, automation, relay settings, RTU configuration, and Protection & Controls engineering terms and concepts are a plus. * Experience working with the electric utility industry or petro-chemical ...

VOLT

Entry Level Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32/hr

As a Controls Engineer , you will: * Assist in the selection of electrical hardware and placement ... any other status protected by the statutes, rules, and regulations in the locations where it ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the ... Protective gear will be required where appropriate. Position requires ability to work varying start ...

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Protection Controls Engineer information

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$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do protection & controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Protection & Controls Engineer job?

A Protection & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical protection and control systems for power grids, substations, and industrial facilities. They ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems by developing protective relaying schemes, performing system studies, and troubleshooting faults. Their role involves working with relays, circuit breakers, SCADA systems, and automation technologies to prevent equipment damage and power outages. They collaborate with utilities, engineering teams, and field technicians to optimize system performance and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protection & Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection & Controls Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical power systems, protection schemes, and control logic, usually backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and relay programming tools, as well as certifications like PE or NETA, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are key soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, minimize downtime, and support safe, reliable operation of critical power infrastructure.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Protection & Controls Engineer?

A Protection & Controls Engineer typically spends their day designing, reviewing, and testing protection and control systems for electrical substations and power grids. Daily tasks may include developing relay settings, performing fault analysis, creating wiring diagrams, and collaborating with project teams and field technicians to ensure accurate implementation. You will also troubleshoot and resolve issues in existing systems, update project documentation, and participate in meetings with clients or stakeholders. This role often balances independent technical work with teamwork, providing variety and opportunities to apply both engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills.
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Protection Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Protection & Controls Engineer, Intermediate

Protection & Controls Engineer, Intermediate

Wood Plc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$90K - $116.40K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood perform consulting and EPCM services for many of Canada's gas processing, power generation, and power distribution companies. 

Wood currently has an exciting opportunity for a Protection and Controls Engineer, Transmission & Distribution, reporting to the Electrical Department Manager, Transmission & Distribution. This position can be located in any of the following offices - Vancouver, BC, Calgary, AB, Oakville, ON, Tucker, GA, West Palm Beach, FL, Orlando, FL or Los Angeles, CA. If you have a successful track record and thrive on challenges in a fast paced environment, this is the opportunity for you. 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing protection, control and metering systems for electrical substations of 12 to 500 kV
  • Developing protection application documents, one-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts and IED settings for power system protective relaying and metering systems
  • Preparing and reviewing drawing lists, engineering documents, specifications, and inspection and testing plans/procedures
  • Writing and planning project scope(s), staging plans, test plans, proposals, estimates, schedules, and budgets
  • Reviewing design documentation with the Owner's Engineer to ensure the design satisfies the project's requirements
  • Reviewing of vendor documents against specifications
  • Preparing material take offs for all P&C equipment, as well as ordering materials through the procurement group
  • Performing factory inspections of P&C equipment
  • Coordinating construction and commissioning activities with utility clients and subcontractors
  • Responding to information requests from construction sites and completing project documentation, including as-builts, calculations and returning data to clients
  • Traveling to site and liaising with internal groups, external contractors and clients
  • Enhancing and maintaining relationships with internal groups as well as external contractors and clients
  • Leading projects from conception through construction and commissioning, including mentoring junior engineers and designers
Skills / Qualifications
  • Electrical Engineering Degree from a recognized university along with a Professional Engineering designation or the ability to register as a professional in Canada or the United States
  • 5-7 years of protection, control and metering experience in a Transmission and Distribution Utility or EPC organization designing substations
  • Proven working experience of relay setting and coordination including ASPEN as well as SEL and GE relay protection systems is considered an asset
  • Proven field experience with outage planning, construction sequencing and commissioning is considered an asset
  • Familiarity with utility P&C maintenance and operational practices is considered an asset
  • Clean driving record/abstract
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement (EEO)

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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