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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

EG-Engineering

Beamline Controls Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$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.

MGM Transformers

Senior Controls Engineer

La Jolla, CA · 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 ...

Zipline

Staff Controls Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

As a Staff Controls Engineer, you will own system-performance analysis for vehicle designs and help ... protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other ...

Techoundsllc

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 ...

Techoundsllc

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 ...

Bloom Energy

Equipment Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$95K - $136K/yr

The NPI team is seeking a Equipment Controls Engineer -a highly motivated individual responsible ... protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Bloom Energy makes reasonable ...

Techoundsllc

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 ...

Techoundsllc

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 ...

Techoundsllc

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 ...

Bloom Energy

Equipment Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA

$95K - $136K/yr

The NPI team is seeking a Equipment Controls Engineer -a highly motivated individual responsible ... protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Bloom Energy makes reasonable ...

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All JobsProtection & Controls Engineer JobsProtection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 Aug 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 is a protection & controls engineer?

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 does a protection & controls engineer do?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection & controls engineer?

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 popular job titles related to Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in California?

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

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:

Protection Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Ferrara

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Ferrara Candy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Work Location: Fairfield
Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.
Want to make an impact?
As a Controls Engineer, reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You'll design, maintain, and optimize control systems that keep our equipment running efficiently, reliably, and safely helping us deliver consistently high-quality products. Working closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams, you'll troubleshoot complex systems, implement innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.
Ways you will make a difference
  • Designs, develops and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment and machinery.
  • Manages the installation and support of PLC based hardware and software.
  • Plans and manages new or modifies existing installations to minimize waste of materials, improve quality and reduce downtime.
  • Identifies and resolves malfunctioning of equipment or systems provides technical support and guidance to maintenance and production team members.
  • Programming Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens). Dealing with RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk Studio, and Rslinx on regular basis. Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration.
  • Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program HMI and PLC ladder logic and integrate discrete/analog devices.
  • Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE
  • Familiar with Vision Systems (e.g. Eagle Vision, Keyence)
  • Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators (e.g. Yasakawa, ABB, Kinetix)
  • Familiarity with RS232 and RS485 protocol, Profibus DP/PA protocols, Variable Frequency Drive systems, Motor Control Centers, Analog and Digital signals, Low to Medium power distribution systems.
  • Experience and skill in troubleshooting control system issues. Provide hands-on on-site support to trouble shoot existing installations, PLCs, HMIs, Instruments and VFD issues
  • Read and understand electrical schematics, ladder logic programs, process flow diagram and process and instrumentation diagrams.

Skills that will make you successful
  • Must have ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Sharp, quick, dedicated and innovative problem solver
  • Core values and continuous self-improvement
  • Must be organized, detail oriented, and able to think designs through completely

Experiences that will support your success
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering or Business
  • 3 to 5 years of process industry related experience with automation control, PLC Ladder Logic programming, HMI design and configure.

Physical Requirements
Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.
Working Conditions
This position requires knowledge and awareness of manufacturing and industrial sites. Protective gear will be required where appropriate. Position requires ability to work varying start times and weekends dependent on business needs.
What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $95,000 - $105,000annually.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
Nearest Secondary Market: Fairfield

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