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Relay Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $67/hr

Relay Technician II About The Company ... Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ...

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $67/hr

Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers. * Execute ... element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems. * Perform ...

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $67/hr

Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers. * Execute ... element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems. * Perform ...

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... The Senior Relay Technician serves as the technical lead for protection and control systems ...

Provide Engineering level support in the design, development and Delivery of the SOLV SCADA solution and EPC projects. This role can be hybrid with regular in office presence in San Diego, CA or Bend ...

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Showing results 1-20

Relay Engineer information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$97.6K

$192.4K

How much do relay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 is a relay engineer?

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Relay Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,608 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Relay Technician II

EPS

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$45 - $67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems for relay systems.

  • Conduct relay testing, element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems, including in-service readings and system validation.

  • Perform communication installations and testing of protocols such as SCADA, GOOSE, Modbus, and fiber optics, and analyze relay operations and system performance data.


Job description

Overview
Job Title: Relay Technician II
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 $45-67 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 Relay Technician II is a mid-level role responsible for performing testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protection and control systems with increasing independence. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, technical proficiency in relay systems, and the ability to support project execution through testing, troubleshooting, reporting, and communication. The technician will continue developing expertise in relay protection schemes, system analysis, and advanced testing practices while working closely with Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.
Responsibilities
  • Adhere to all safety policies and actively participate in job briefings and hazard mitigation efforts.
  • Apply Human Performance Error Reduction (HPE) concepts in daily work practices.
  • Promote safe work behaviors and support team safety initiatives.
  • Perform relay testing with assistance from Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.
  • Execute element, logic, and basic functional testing of protective relays and control systems.
  • Perform and evaluate in-service readings to verify system performance and identify abnormalities.
  • Conduct end-to-end testing and validate protection system operation.
  • Perform communication installations and testing including SCADA, GOOSE, Modbus, fiber optics, and related protocols.
  • Perform circuit analysis involving protective relays, instrumentation transformers, AC/DC circuits, and overall system functionality.
  • Analyze relay operations, event records, and system performance data for troubleshooting and validation.
  • Read and interpret one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and complex protection logic.
  • Develop testing plans and isolation plans to ensure safe and efficient execution of work.
  • Create detailed reports, including test results, commissioning records, and calibration documentation.
  • Demonstrate clear communication both internally with team members and externally with clients, engineers, and project stakeholders.
  • Coordinate work activities with engineers, project teams, and other technicians to ensure project alignment and efficiency.

Qualifications
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 good 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
  • NETA II 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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