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Relay Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I * Interact with customers. * Perform ... complex troubleshooting. * Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

Sr. Relay Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55 - $78/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I * Interact with customers. * Perform ... complex troubleshooting. * Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze ...

Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I * Interact with customers. * Perform ... complex troubleshooting. * Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze ...

Sr. Relay Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and ...

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 ...

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Relay Engineer information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$97.6K

$192.4K

How much do relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 typical daily responsibilities of a Relay Engineer in the power utility industry?

As a Relay Engineer, your daily tasks often involve designing and reviewing protection schemes, performing relay settings calculations, and conducting testing or commissioning of relay systems at substations. You may also be responsible for analyzing relay operations during power system events, troubleshooting issues, and preparing technical reports or documentation. Many Relay Engineers work closely with field technicians, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless system integration and operational safety. The role may require both office-based design work and on-site fieldwork, depending on project needs.

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

A Relay Engineer requires solid knowledge of electrical engineering principles, relay protection schemes, and power system analysis, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering and relevant field experience. Familiarity with relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry-recognized certifications such as NETA or IEEE standards is highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure accurate design, installation, and maintenance of protection systems, which are critical for maintaining the reliability and safety of electrical networks.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, bonuses, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex technical requirements.

What is a Relay Engineer job?

A Relay Engineer is responsible for the design, testing, and maintenance of protection and control systems for electrical power grids. They ensure that relays and protective devices function correctly to prevent faults and maintain system reliability. Their work involves analyzing system data, programming relays, and coordinating with utility companies to enhance power system stability.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Relay engineers and other electrical engineers typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. While some senior or specialized electrical engineers in high-demand fields can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, such earnings are uncommon and often involve managerial roles, consulting, or working in lucrative sectors like aerospace or energy. Most electrical engineers earn between $70,000 and $150,000 per year.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects or teams.

What does a relay engineer do?

A relay engineer designs, tests, and maintains electrical relays and switching systems used in various electronic and electrical applications. They analyze circuit requirements, develop relay specifications, and ensure reliability and safety through testing and quality control. Proficiency with electrical schematics, testing equipment, and industry standards is essential for this role.
What cities in California are hiring for Relay Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Relay Engineer job openings:
Sr. Relay Technician

Sr. Relay Technician

EPS

San Francisco, CA

$70 - $85/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Relay Technician

About The Company: 

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization specializing in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance for clients across Data Centers, Utility, Generation, Renewables, Transit, Industrial and Commercial Facilities throughout North America. We are committed to safety, technical expertise, and setting the standard of excellence in the power industry.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Perks:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Talent Development – Instructor-Led Technical Courses and Online Learning
  • Career Path Planning
  • Incentives for Professional Certifications
  • Competitive Per Diem for Travel
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is between $70-85 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Relay Technician performs and supervises electrical testing, maintenance and troubleshooting relays in electrical power stations. Your duties involve using relay test equipment and tools to test several types of relays inside the electrical substation. 


  • Lead safety briefings on job site, identify, eliminate, or mitigate hazards. 
  • Utilize Human Performance Error Elimination concepts and tools.  
  • Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. 
  • Perform installation, commissioning, testing, and function testing of substation control circuits on relay panel, transformer & circuit breaker change-outs.   
  • Ability to analyze event records and make informed deductions   
  • Develop Project Execution, Commissioning, Outage Sequence & Energization Procedures. 
  • Project management of large scale and complex projects. 
  • Train and qualify Relay Technician I, II, or Relay Engineer I   
  • Interact with customers. 
  • Perform complex troubleshooting. 
  • Perform end-to-end relay testing using relay test software and analyze the operation of the relay based on the fault type run. 
  • Lead investigations of electrical related issues, including root cause analysis as needed. 
  • Calibrate & perform functional tests on both electromechanical and microprocessor based protective relays for substations. 
  • Function as an on-site lead for the project, assign tasks, prioritize activities and interface with customers. 
  • Read and fully understand protection and control schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams and catch mistakes and problems with the drawings and design when comparing with accepted engineering and customer standards. 
  • Determine and interpret customer’s requirements and provide final deliverables including as built prints and all test results meeting specified requirements. 
  • Understand manufactures’ literature to facilitate testing.  

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen due to this being a safety sensitive position.

  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check. 
  • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time. 
  • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a safe driving record. 
  • Hands on experience installing, maintaining, testing & repairing protective relays in transmission, generation, or distribution level substations. 
  • Capable of trouble shooting distribution and transmission controls circuits. 
  • Knowledge of relay test software. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Experience installing, maintaining, testing, or repairing circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, or similar equipment.  

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in electrical/Electronic technology, Military Experience, or 4-year Engineering Degree, preferred 
  • 5+ Years of Relevant Industry Experience 
  • NETA III/IV Certified, preferred 

Physical Requirements:  

  • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs. 

EPS is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), political affiliation, military service, national origin, age or any other characteristics protected by state or federal laws. 

EPS does not work with individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies, and will not recognize claim to any unsolicited resumes or candidate information.

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