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Senior Protective Relay Engineer Jobs in California

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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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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Senior Protective Relay Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protective Relay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protective Relay Engineer, you need a deep understanding of power system protection, relay coordination, and a degree in electrical engineering, often paired with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with relay testing equipment, industry-standard software like SEL AcSELerator, and familiarity with SCADA and microprocessor-based relays are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring electrical grid reliability, system safety, and successful project delivery in complex utility environments.

What does a Senior Protective Relay Engineer do?

A Senior Protective Relay Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining protective relaying systems used to detect electrical faults and protect power systems. They analyze system requirements, develop relay settings, and ensure the correct operation of protective devices to prevent equipment damage and ensure safety. These engineers often lead teams, oversee relay installation and commissioning, and troubleshoot complex issues within substations and transmission systems. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining reliable and safe electrical power delivery.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Protective Relay Engineers during system upgrades or retrofits?

Senior Protective Relay Engineers often encounter challenges when managing system upgrades or retrofits, such as integrating new relay technologies with existing infrastructure and ensuring minimal downtime during transitions. Coordinating with other engineering teams, utility operations, and field technicians is essential to resolve compatibility issues and maintain system reliability. Additionally, staying current with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements is crucial to ensure all protection schemes remain compliant and effective.

What is the difference between Senior Protective Relay Engineer vs Protective Relay Engineer?

AspectSenior Protective Relay EngineerProtective Relay Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; certifications like IEEE or NETABachelor's degree in electrical engineering; certifications like IEEE or NETA
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting protective relay systems in power substations or utility companiesAssist in relay system installation, testing, and maintenance in power plants or utilities
Industry UsageUsed in utility companies, power generation, and transmission sectorsCommonly employed in similar settings, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Protective Relay Engineer and a Protective Relay Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior engineers typically lead projects, perform complex analysis, and mentor junior staff, while Protective Relay Engineers focus on supporting relay system installation and testing. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments within the power industry.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Protective Relay Engineer job openings:
Senior Protective Relay Engineer jobs near you

Protection Engineer

Astrion

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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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