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Protective Relay Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration , your work will help safeguard one of the world's most advanced research facilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS : * PE ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA

$70 - $85/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

EPS

Sr. Relay Technician

Riverside, CA

$55 - $78/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

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All JobsProtective Relay Engineer JobsProtective Relay Engineer Jobs in California

Protective Relay Engineer information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$97.6K

$192.4K

How much do protective relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for protective relay engineer in California is $97,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protective Relay Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Relay Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and relay protection, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with relay testing equipment, CAD or relay design software, and familiarity with industry standards such as IEEE and NERC is often required, as are certifications like PE licensure. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, minimize power outages, and enable successful coordination with utilities and project stakeholders.

What is a Protective Relay Engineer job?

A Protective Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining protective relay systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They analyze system performance, program relay settings, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Their work helps prevent power outages, improve system reliability, and protect assets from damage.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Protective Relay Engineer?

A typical day for a Protective Relay Engineer involves designing, testing, and maintaining protective relay systems that safeguard electrical power grids and equipment. You may analyze system data, implement relay settings, coordinate with project managers and field technicians, and troubleshoot any protection scheme issues that arise. Much of the work includes both office-based design tasks and occasional site visits for commissioning or maintenance support. Collaboration with other engineers, clients, and utility representatives is common to ensure projects meet regulatory and operational standards. This role offers a dynamic blend of technical problem-solving and teamwork within the energy sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California? For Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California are:
Protective Relay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Relay Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,608 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Protection Engineer

Astrion

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview

Protection Engineer – Power & Mechanical Systems

Location: Mt View, Moffett Field CA.
Status: Full-time

Salary: $200K–$245K/year
Clearance: Background check

U.S. Citizenship required

Make an Impact at NASA Ames

Astrion/MEIS is seeking a highly skilled Protection Engineer (Power & Mechanical) to join our Space Systems division in support of NASA Ames Research Center’s Electrical Power Reliability Office (EPrO).

In this role, you’ll directly contribute to the safety, reliability, and performance of NASA Ames’ high- and medium-voltage electrical distribution systems. From arc flash studies to protective relay programming and calibration, your work will help safeguard one of the world’s most advanced research facilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

  • PE License (Professional Engineer)

  • Ten (10)+ years’ experience in high- and medium-voltage design, relay coordination, and short-circuit analysis.

  • Proficiency in SKM software, arc flash calculation, and SEL microprocessor relay programming.

  • Expertise in both electromechanical and solid-state relays (calibration and setting).

  • Problem-solving mindset, clear communicator, and ability to thrive in on-site, hands-on work.

  • Flexibility to support after-hours, nights, or weekend outages when required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Strong understanding of NASA Ames Electrical Power System (preferred).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform arc flash and short-circuit calculations, relay programming, and relay setting.

  • Review, program, test, and calibrate protective relays and breaker trip settings.

  • Print and distribute arc flash safety labels for NASA Ames electrical systems.

  • Maintain and update SKM master models for building and drive power systems.

  • Provide protection system specifications and relay settings for new infrastructure projects.

  • Prepare wiring diagrams and schematics for protective relay installations.

  • Support relay technicians during planned and unplanned outages.

  • Maintain and review one-line diagrams for arc flash, short circuit, and relay analysis.

  • Ensure all device settings are properly stored in the EPrO database.

This is your opportunity to apply your expertise in power protection engineering to support missions that directly enable NASA’s world-class science and space exploration programs.

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