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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

The Role We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects ... S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required ...

Automation Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

The Role We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects ... S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required ...

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP) As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be ... Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD's, motor starters, and various other ...

Project Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $115K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join our Project Controls team. This ... status protected by local, state, or federal law. #LI-MP1 About Us About WSP WSP USA is the U.S ...

We are passionate, we care about people, we perform at a superior level, and we protect others and ... The Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer provides Electrical Controls Engineering for the ...

Qualifications * 5+ years' experience working as a Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineer ... Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other protected persons under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join our Project Controls team. This ... other status protected by local, state, or federal law. #LI-MP1 About WSP WSP USA is the U.S ...

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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 Jun 21, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Aftermarket Electrical Controls Engineer

Pro Mach

Visalia, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Serpa Packaging Solutions is looking for an Aftermarket Electrical Controls Engineer to support our installed base of automated packaging equipment. As the Aftermarket Electrical Controls Engineer, you’ll be a key technical resource for customers, field service technicians, and internal teams - providing controls expertise, troubleshooting, upgrades, and ongoing system improvements. In this role, you will focus on post-installation support, including remote and on-site troubleshooting, controls retrofits, software updates, and customer assistance. The role requires up to 50% travel to customer facilities. When not traveling, the engineer will work from our Visalia, CA office, supporting customers and technicians through phone, email, and internal collaboration.

Great work culture, working environment, career growth opportunities!

If this sounds like you, we want to connect! 

Requirements:

  • Provide controls and automation support for existing customer equipment in the field.
  • Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, electrical, and system-level issues remotely and on-site.
  • Support field service technicians during installations, upgrades, retrofits, and repairs.
  • Modify and update PLC/HMI programs to improve performance, reliability, and functionality.
  • Assist customers with system diagnostics, operational questions, and process improvements.
  • Support Aftermarket upgrades, retrofits, rebuilds, and controls modernization projects.
  • Review electrical schematics and documentation to support troubleshooting and modifications.
  • Collaborate with engineering, service, and sales teams to resolve customer issues efficiently.
  • Participate in customer validation, acceptance testing, and on-site commissioning as needed.
  • Travel to customer facilities for service, troubleshooting, and support (up to 50%).

Desired Requirements:

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, a related field or relevant experience.
  •  Minimum of 3 years of experience in machine controls or industrial automation.
  • Strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs (hardware and software).
  • PLC and HMI programming, debugging, and troubleshooting experience.
  • Electrical hardware and schematic interpretation experience (CAD exposure preferred).
  • Experience supporting or troubleshooting automated packaging equipment preferred.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to work cross-functionally with technicians and engineers.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-motivated, customer-focused, and comfortable working independently in the field.

What’s in it for you?

There's no monopoly on innovative ideas or limits to how far you can advance with our team. We offer an open, communicative environment that fosters individual initiative. We pride ourselves in being a company where people are happy and choose to build a career. 

In addition to growth opportunities, as a ProMach employee, you receive more than just a paycheck. The education and experience you bring to a role with us matters. Placement within our salary range is determined based upon years of directly relatable experience for your position. These components, along with local and national compensation survey data, contribute to deciding a candidate's potential starting rate of pay.  

Total compensation includes your pay, potential short-term incentive opportunities, comprehensive medical/dental/vision programs, as well as life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off programs, a retirement savings plan with a company match, and a wellness program. And because we understand the importance of feeling protected, there is no waiting period for benefits – you are eligible on your first day of employment! Please note that the pay ranges listed on external job boards, outside our posting details, do not accurately reflect our internal compensation ranges. Please note that the pay ranges listed on external job boards, outside our posting details, do not accurately reflect our internal compensation ranges.

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 

Serpa has a track record of 41 years of strong economy proof Industries. We are known for our high quality and customized end-of-the-line machinery. 

Packaging Industries Markets:

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food & Beverage
  • Household
  • Tobacco
  • Pet Food
  • Dairy

ProMach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pro Mach uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility of all new hires to work in the United States. Pro Mach is a drug-free workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

#SERPA