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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen ... The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system ...

New

Ferrara Candy Company

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Ferrara

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$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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$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

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

As of Jun 4, 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

Protection and Control Engineer

Kaav Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Role: Protection and Control Engineer

Location: San Ramon, CA (Onsite)

Experience: 9-15 years

Job Summary:

Our P&C Engineers independently produce and understand the process to complete P&C packages, including managing designers and drafters for the package.

Who You Are:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • 4+ years of experience engineering/designing electrical systems within the Utilities or Energy industry
  • Skilled in AutoCAD (MicroStation is a plus)
  • Experience with ETAP, WinIGS, IEEE 88/998
  • Experience using Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Bentley MicroStation and/or Bentley Substation software to develop 2D drawings or 3D models are a plus.
  • PE Certification is a plus
  • Knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following skillsets: 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 industry.
  • BSEE Degree with 6+ years of experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Identify proper protection and control schemes for transmission and distribution substations.
  • Select proper protection devices for equipment within a substation.
  • Prepare scopes of work and estimates for evaluating and designing substations.
  • Identify proper equipment sizing and order material.
  • Ensure the maintenance and adherence of customer standards as it pertains to relay protection.
  • Create drawing packages for substation relay protection that include wiring diagrams, schematics, protection panels, one-line, and three-line diagrams.
  • Interface with clients and vendors.
  • Perform load calculations for load panels, battery systems, voltage drop, and other various substation components.
  • Perform substation field support and field pre-inspection for "turn-key" substation projects consisting of protection panels, circuit switchers, circuit breakers, transformers, control house, and supporting equipment.
  • Mentor new engineers.

Skill Matrix to be shared at the time of Submission:

Questions

Candidate Experience

Range and Types

Overall Experience

: _____ Nos of Years.

Experience in Electrical Substation

: _____ Nos of Years.

Max Voltage level

: _____ Voltage. (Above 66kV)
High Voltage Experience is Good
Medium Voltage Experience Minimum

Voltage Level E.g.

High (HV)- 115kV to 1,100kVAC
Medium Voltage (MV) - 2.4KV to 69KVAC
Low Voltage (LV) - 240 to 600 VAC

Substation Type

:

Outdoor Substation
Indoor Substation

Which Type of Substation

:

GIS (Gas Insulated Substation)
AIS (Air Insulated Substation)