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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Controls Engineer

Fairfield, CA ยท 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 ...

Beamline Controls Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$99K - $128K/yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Beamline Controls Engineer within the Engineering ... Maintain the backup and disaster recovery systems that protect operational and experiment data.

Senior Controls Engineer

La Jolla, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software * Broad ... Controls Engineering Expertise * Technical Problem-Solving * Analytical Thinking * Communication ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$98K - $127K/yr

Position Overview We're looking for a Controls Engineer to design and optimize trajectory ... protected by law. Humble Robotics will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Provide support for selecting, installing, operating, and troubleshooting instruments and controls associated with utility systems which may include fire protection * Collaborate with engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protection Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

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

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

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 job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

E Tech Group

Chino, CA โ€ข On-site

$80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

At E Tech Group, joining our team means joining a group of passionate and forward-thinkingโ€ฏexperts. We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing value for our clients through IT automation and control solutions for more than 30 years to the Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Metals & Mining, Warehousing & Distribution, and CPG/Food & Beverage industries.โ€ฏOur national and global scale allows us to help our clients develop and implement standardized solutions at any of their facilities regardless of physical location or the local resources available at that site.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Controls Engineer to be responsible for leading the design and execution of automation and control projects within the Food and Beverage industry. This includes developing detailed control system design specifications, programming PLC and SCADA applications, providing control system startup and commissioning services, and troubleshooting existing control systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead/work on projects from concept through commissioning phases.
Location: Remote, must be located in SoCal (Riverside, Chino, San Bernardino triangle)
You Will:
  • Provide application/control systems design and development for systems of varying complexity.
  • Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions that meet stated requirements
  • Modify existing program/system logic involving multiple systems and subsystems
  • Interact with customers to gain an understanding of the business environment. Define scope, plans, and deliverables for assigned work
  • Work successfully in a team environment; focused strongly on customer service and continuous improvement
  • Enjoy going to local sites; Appreciate the documentation and planning aspects of engineering in a regulated environment
  • Up to 30-40% travel required
  • Be an ambassador who embodies our Core Values, prioritizing the success of E Tech Group, our clients, and the professional development of our associates.
You Have:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related Engineering fields.
  • 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems and an understanding of process controls
  • Control system validation experience of Food and Beverage systems a plus
  • Rockwell experience with products such as: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, Factory Talk Software Suite, Studio 5000, PLC5, SLC500, RSView, PanelView Plus, etc.
  • Other SCADA and HMI package experience (Ignition and Wonderware)
  • Experience implementing detailed control system electrical design packages
  • Working knowledge of control system networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, etc.)
  • Experience with Ethernet network design and implementation (Stratix or Cisco managed switches)
  • Understanding of Food and Beverage processes, GMP and validation
  • Knowledge of S88 Batch standards and experience implementing batch systems
  • Instrumentation experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A DNA comprised of collaboration and teamwork

Benefits & Perks:

  • 401k + match + prompt enrollment.โ€ฏ E Tech Group employees are 100% vested upon entry.
  • Prompt enrollment into Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
  • Generous paid time off that includes paid vacation, paid holidays, paid family leave and sick time off.
  • Learning and growth are key parts of the E Tech culture. We provide you with training and continuing education from day one, so you canโ€ฏadvance your career. As an E Tech associate, youโ€ฏcan unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

Salary: $80-130K

E Tech Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. E Tech Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs. E Tech Group is an Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.