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Smart Meter Installer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer, Switchboards

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $113K/yr

From panel design, control schematics to breaker and meter programming, you'll be the person who ... Answer installation questions and provide technical guidance to customers and field teams ...

The Irrigation Technician installs and maintains the irrigation systems that keep crops, parks ... Install controllers (both conventional and smart) * Program conventional controllers. * Install ...

Fire Sprinkler Inspector

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$23.51 - $32.31/hr

... in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of ... Experience with hand tools and multi-meter usage. * Capable of performing physical labor to include ...

... in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of ... Assistforemanin the installation of wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge sprinkler systems * Perform ...

Irrigation Technician (Sacramento)

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

The Irrigation Technician installs and maintains the irrigation systems that keep crops, parks ... Install controllers (both conventional and smart) * Program conventional controllers. * Install ...

Showing results 21-33

Smart Meter Installer information

See California salary details

$5

$19

$31

How much do smart meter installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for smart meter installer in California is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smart meter installer?

Smart Meter Installers are professionals trained to fit, replace, and maintain smart meters in residential and commercial properties. These meters automatically record energy usage and send the information directly to utility providers, helping customers monitor their consumption more accurately. Installers are responsible for ensuring the safe and correct installation of meters, explaining how they work to customers, and troubleshooting any initial issues. The role often requires technical skills, customer service abilities, and adherence to safety regulations.

What challenges do smart meter installers face, and how can they be addressed?

Smart Meter Installers often encounter challenges such as gaining access to customer properties, handling unexpected technical issues with existing meter infrastructure, and managing tight installation schedules. To address these, strong communication skills are essential for coordinating with customers and resolving access concerns. Additionally, staying updated on the latest meter technology and troubleshooting techniques can help installers efficiently resolve on-site issues. Time management and teamwork also play a key role in ensuring installations are completed safely and on schedule.

What is the difference between Smart Meter Installer vs Electrician?

AspectSmart Meter InstallerElectrician
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training and certification in smart meter installationRequires electrical licensing and general electrical training
Work EnvironmentPrimarily outdoor and customer premises installationIndoor and outdoor electrical systems, construction sites, residential and commercial
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, energy providersElectrical contracting firms, construction companies, industrial facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for installation skills and certificationsCompared for broader electrical expertise and licensing

While both roles involve electrical work, a Smart Meter Installer specializes in installing and maintaining smart meters for utility companies, requiring specific training. Electricians have a broader scope, working on various electrical systems across multiple industries, with licensing requirements. The two roles overlap in electrical knowledge but differ in specialization and work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a smart meter installer?

To thrive as a Smart Meter Installer, you typically need a background in electrical installation, formal qualifications like NVQ Level 2/3 in Electrical Installations, and relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with handheld diagnostic tools, smart meter systems, and safety protocols is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help installers interact effectively with customers and ensure accurate meter installations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safety, compliance, customer satisfaction, and efficient rollout of smart metering technology.

What qualifications do I need to install a smart meter?

Smart meter installers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training in electrical systems or meter installation. Certification or licensing may be required depending on local regulations, and familiarity with electrical safety standards and tools is essential.
What are popular job titles related to Smart Meter Installer jobs in California? For Smart Meter Installer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Smart Meter Installer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Smart Meter Installer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Smart Meter Installer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,377 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Controls Engineer, Switchboards

Giga Energy

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$87K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Giga
Giga is building gigawatts of AI data centers to hasten a future of intelligence and abundance. We build data centers fast and at scale by combining the capabilities of an equipment supplier, engineering firm, general contractor, and real estate developer under one roof. Our team moves quickly and thinks practically. If you're ready to make an impact in an industry that matters, we're looking for people like you.
Why join Giga
  • The Pace: We're building at a speed most companies talk about but never actually operate at. If you've been bored somewhere else, you won't be here.
  • The Impact: Every person at Giga touches the work that matters. No layers, no waiting for approval chains. You'll see your fingerprints on what we ship.
  • The Team: A team of operators defining the future of AI infrastructure. We recruit A-players from the most innovative companies in the world, and they choose Giga because the work here means more.
  • The Moment: AI doesn't run without power, and that's us. Giga is the picks and shovels behind the AI revolution. This industry is about to explode, and you'll be in the room where it's already happening.

What you'll do
As a Controls Engineer at Giga, you will own the design, development, and commissioning of control systems for mission-critical infrastructure. From panel design, control schematics to breaker and meter programming, you'll be the person who makes the systems actually work - and keeps them running. If you love getting into the details of how complex systems talk to each other and take pride in building things that can't afford to go down, this is your role.
Where you'll work
This role is based out of one of our offices (Long Beach, CA / Houston, TX). We work in person because the best engineering happens when smart people are in the same room.
Responsibilities
Pre-PO & Sales Support:
  • Provide technical expertise to sales teams during the bidding and pre-purchase order phase.
  • Clarify customer requirements and ensure technical feasibility during proposal development.
  • Participate in post-PO engineering reviews with sales teams and customers to align on project scope and deliverables

Customer Submittals:
  • Compile and deliver comprehensive electrical submittal packages to customers, including:
    • Single Line Diagrams (SLD) and breaker schedules
    • Detailed wiring schematics
    • Complete electrical datasheets
    • Comprehensive electrical Bills of Materials (BOM)
    • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) protocols

Engineering & Detailed Design:
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams on switchboard enclosure design and integration.
  • Execute complete power panel electrical design from concept through production-ready documentation.
  • Develop finalized manufacturing packages for the production floor, ensuring clarity and accuracy for assembly teams

Procurement Support:
  • Partner with purchasing teams to source electrical components and ensure timely delivery.
  • Specify critical components including power meters (PM), surge protective devices (SPD), current transformers (CT), and other control devices

Operations & Production Support:
  • Provide hands-on guidance to assembly teams during power panel and component assembly.
  • Standardize component labeling and wire tagging protocols to improve consistency and quality.
  • Deliver floor-level technical assistance during panel wiring and troubleshooting

Quality Assurance & Test Training:
  • Train, mentor, and audit the quality testing team on critical testing procedures:
    • Ground loop testing
    • Hi-pot (dielectric withstand) testing
    • Electrical functionality verification
    • Breaker programming and trip unit configuration
    • 480VAC live-power testing
    • UL sticker application and final enclosure close-up procedures
  • Facilitate customer witness tests as required to ensure product acceptance

Post-Delivery Support:
  • Provide technical customer service after product delivery to ensure successful installation and operation.
  • Troubleshoot field issues remotely or on-site as needed.
  • Answer installation questions and provide technical guidance to customers and field teams
Requirements
  • Strong background in electrical engineering with hands-on experience in switchboard or power distribution systems
  • Proficiency in electrical design software (AUTOCAD) and schematic development
  • Excellent communication skills to work cross-functionally with sales, production, quality, and customers
  • Ability to mentor and train technical teams
  • Problem-solving mindset with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction
Bonus points
  • Knowledge of UL standards (UL 891, UL 67, UL 1558, etc.) and testing protocols
  • Experience working in a UL 891 shop environment with hands-on testing experience
Benefits
  • Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Parental leave
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Monthly team onsites where all offices come in-person to collaborate

Who we hire
We hire people who thrive in chaos and get sharper under pressure. You don't wait to be told what to do, you spot the gap and fill it. When there's work to be done, you do it. You make decisions with the information you have, move fast, and adjust along the way. We're not looking for perfect; we're looking for people who get things done.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Giga Energy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Giga Energy complies with all applicable labor laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other relevant state and federal regulations. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants who require accommodations during the hiring process to contact us.