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Smart Grid Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Power Systems AI/ML Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$87K - $125K/yr

... smart future, helping them to prioritize safety, maximize reliability, and stay resilient. Our ... grid performance. Key Responsibilities: * Design, develop, and maintain AI-driven features for ETAP ...

... smart future, helping them to prioritize safety, maximize reliability, and stay resilient. Our ... with grid codes and interconnection requirements. Key Responsibilities * Perform detailed ...

Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No The Opportunity Ready to power the future ... grid smart. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and love solving complex ...

This role will be responsible for driving technical sales engagement with customers, developers ... grid-tied equipment, and customer project requirements, combined with the ability to support ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

This is a remote position. #Li-Remote This role is contributing to the Electrification Smart ... switchgear, grid hardware, protection and control relays, switchboards, power and lighting ...

Showing results 41-60

Smart Grid Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do smart grid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for smart grid engineer in California is $114,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smart grid engineer?

A Smart Grid Engineer designs, develops, and maintains advanced electrical grid systems that incorporate digital technology to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. They work on automation, energy management, and integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Their role includes analyzing system performance, implementing cybersecurity measures, and optimizing power distribution. Smart Grid Engineers collaborate with utility companies, policymakers, and technology providers to modernize electricity infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a smart grid engineer?

To thrive as a Smart Grid Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with SCADA systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), grid simulation tools, and industry certifications (such as PMP or NERC) is highly valued. Problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure that smart grid projects are designed, implemented, and maintained efficiently and collaboratively in rapidly evolving utility environments.

What does a typical day look like for a smart grid engineer?

A day in the life of a Smart Grid Engineer often involves designing and optimizing grid systems, analyzing data to improve reliability and efficiency, and troubleshooting technical issues. You’ll collaborate closely with utility teams, IT specialists, and project managers to implement advanced grid technologies and ensure system integrity. Regular tasks may include monitoring grid performance, integrating renewable energy sources, and participating in field deployments or system upgrades. Depending on your employer, you may work in an office setting, visit substations or client sites, and occasionally be on call to support urgent issues or projects.

What are popular job titles related to Smart Grid Engineer jobs in California? For Smart Grid Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Smart Grid Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,347 per year, or $55 per hour.

Power Systems AI/ML Engineer

ETAP

Irvine, CA • On-site

$87K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

ETAP empowers customers to make informed decisions throughout the life cycle of their projects with innovative software solutions for electrical systems. By applying ETAP solutions, customers experience continuous intelligence during design and engineering and into operations and maintenance using a unified electrical digital twin platform. ETAP supports customers in their digital transformation and sustainable energy transitions for a green and smart future, helping them to prioritize safety, maximize reliability, and stay resilient.
Our employees' passion for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction is our most-prized resource. If you share that passion - and want to be part of a company that leads the energy transition towards a cleaner and more resilient world for future generations - we invite you to join us!
ETAP is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Title: Power Systems AI/ML Engineer
Job Location: Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid
As a Power Systems AI/ML Engineer at ETAP, you will play a key role in the development, enhancement, and deployment of ETAP's AI-based solutions. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams including power systems engineers, data scientists, software developers, and UI specialists to design and implement intelligent assistance tools that support modeling, analysis, planning, protection, and operation of electrical power systems. Your contributions will directly enable utilities, industries, and infrastructure customers to optimize system reliability, integrate renewable energy, and enhance overall grid performance.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and maintain AI-driven features for ETAP's electrical engineering applications.
  • Collaborate with power system engineers to translate domain knowledge and analytical workflows into machine learning models and intelligent automation tools.
  • Implement algorithms for system modeling, network optimization, fault analysis, system planning, energy management, and grid stability.
  • Develop and integrate large language model (LLM)-based assistants to enhance user experience and reduce engineering workload.
  • Work with data teams to curate training datasets, perform model validation, and ensure accuracy and reliability of AI outputs.
  • Optimize computational performance and ensure scalability of AI-driven functionalities across ETAP product suites.
  • Participate in code reviews, documentation, testing, and continuous improvement processes.
  • Participate in the software development lifecycle, including spec, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation of new web based AI features and enhancements.
  • Support troubleshooting, debugging, and release cycles for already deployed copilot features.
  • Prepare detailed technical documentation, including user manuals, technical specifications, and application notes on AI.
  • Ensure that AI algorithms and software solutions comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies in AI, LLM, power systems, cloud and software development.

Required Qualifications:
  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field.
  • Strong understanding of electrical power systems (generation, transmission, distribution, industrial power).
  • Hands-on experience with Python, C++/C# or similar programming languages, and machine learning frameworks.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Highly motivated, self-managed, details-oriented, and well-organized

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of large language models (LLMs), natural language processing (NLP), or reinforcement learning.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based deployment environments.
  • Prior experience in utility, industrial, or renewable energy system applications.
  • Contribute to white papers, technical articles, patents and presentations to share knowledge with the industry and promote ETAP's AI capabilities.
  • Experience working with ETAP software is an advantage.

Education and Experience:
  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field.
  • Typically, 1-3 years of experience in power systems engineering or a related field, with a focus on AI and LLM.

Work Authorization Requirement
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
Salary Range: $87,000 - 125,000 USD Annual
This pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation that the position offers, and final compensation can vary within the range depending on work location, job experience, skills, and relevant educational attainment and/or training.
ETAP requires all successful applicants to undergo and pass a comprehensive background check before they start employment. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with local laws and may, subject to those laws, include proof of educational attainment, employment history verification, proof of work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, credit check. Certain positions dealing with sensitive and/or third party personal data may involve additional background check criteria.
ETAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being an exemplary employer with an inclusive culture, developing a workplace environment where all our employees are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and the expertise that people from different backgrounds bring to our business.
Come and join ETAP to create the transformative technology that enables our customers to engineer a better world.