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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Humble Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$98.40K - $127.20K/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 ...

Techoundsllc

Controls Engineer

Corona, CA

$86.10K - $111.40K/yr

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

HADRIAN

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 ...

Pave Talent

Senior Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106.20K - $140.10K/yr

The technology is protected by 20+ patents and the CEO is pushing urgency on hitting commercial ... Most controls engineers inherit a decade of someone else's tag conventions. Here, the tag ...

New

HADRIAN

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 ...

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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 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.

Senior Controls Engineer

E Tech Group

Modesto, CA • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

At E Tech Group, joining our team means joining a group of passionate and forward-thinking experts. 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 25 years to the Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Metals, Material Handling, Consumer Products and Food & Beverage industries. Our national 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 Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for leading or contributing to detailed hardware and software design of process automation control systems projects. This includes defining architecture requirements, developing detailed software design specifications, programming PLC and SCADA applications, configuring thin client server applications, configuring process-based historian databases, tuning control loops, providing control system startup and commissioning services, troubleshooting existing control systems and providing control system qualifications. This a fantastic opportunity to lead/work on projects from concept through commissioning phases.
Location: Modesto, CA
You Will:
  • Provide application/control systems design and development for systems of varying complexity
  • Develop and evaluate alternative system solutions that meet stated requirements
  • Modifies program/system logic involving multiple systems and subsystems
  • Develop proficiency in several programming languages and control device networks for PLCs, PCs
  • Interact with customers to gain an understanding of the business environment. Defines scope, plans, and deliverables for assigned work
  • Work successfully in a team environment; focused strongly on customer service and continuous improvement
  • Serve as 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.
  • 4+ years of experience, or equivalent combination of education
  • Consulting experience
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems and an understanding of process controls
  • Instrumentation experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ignition and PLC experience with products such as: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, Factory Talk Software Suite, Studio 5000, PLC5, SLC500, RSView, PanelView Plus, etc.
  • Experience in food and beverage and winery controls engineering
  • Knowledge of S88 Batch standards and experience implementing batch systems
  • Control system validation experience of pharmaceutical/biotech systems a plus
  • Other PLC platform experience (GE, Siemens, Modicon)
  • Other SCADA and HMI package experience (Proficy and Wonderware)
  • Experience implementing detailed control system electrical design packages
  • Working knowledge of control system networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, etc.
  • A DNA comprised of collaboration and teamwork

Benefits & Perks:
  • 401k + match + prompt enrollment. 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 can advance your career. As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

Salary: $90,000- $130,000
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.

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