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Substation Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Technician

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$66 - $79/hr

... substation power delivery equipment such as breakers, switchgears, circuit breakers, relays and transformers. The Test Technician is also responsible to mentor and educate Apprentices including ...

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Substation Apprentice information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation apprentice?

To thrive as a Substation Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, hand and power tools, and adherence to OSHA safety standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability when working with high-voltage electrical systems.

What does a substation apprentice do?

As a substation apprentice, you work at an electrical substation while training under the direct supervision of a journey-level substation technician. Your duties typically involve the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and substation equipment. During an apprentice program, you also learn other aspects of substation construction, such as installing fencing and testing circuit breakers, switches, and metering equipment. Depending on the details of the apprenticeship, your responsibilities include attending classes during or after regular working hours or responding to emergency calls or outage reports with your training technician.

What are some common challenges faced by substation apprentices during their training period?

Substation Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous safety protocols, understanding complex electrical systems, and working in various weather conditions. The role demands strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly from experienced technicians and supervisors. Additionally, apprentices must balance hands-on fieldwork with classroom instruction, which can be demanding but provides a solid foundation for career growth in the electrical utility industry.

What is a substation apprentice?

Substation apprentices are entry-level workers who learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical substations under the supervision of experienced technicians or journeymen. They participate in a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop the technical skills and safety knowledge required for the role. Substation apprentices work with high-voltage equipment, perform routine inspections, assist with upgrades, and follow strict safety protocols. Over time, they gain the experience needed to become fully qualified substation technicians or electricians.

What is the difference between Substation Apprentice vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation ApprenticeSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, experience in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, utility facilitiesOperational substations, maintenance sites, repair environments
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, electrical contractorsUtility companies, electrical service providers

Substation Apprentices are in training to learn electrical systems and substation operations, often working under supervision. Substation Technicians are experienced workers responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating substations. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the technician role, which requires more hands-on experience and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution.

Test Technician

Rising Edge Group

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$66 - $79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Role
Reporting to the Area Manager, the Test Technician is responsible to commission and test primary and secondary power equipment in the field which includes maintaining medium to high-voltage substation power delivery equipment such as breakers, switchgears, circuit breakers, relays and transformers. The Test Technician is also responsible to mentor and educate Apprentices including reading and interpreting blueprints, Risk Management and industry best practices. They also play a leading role in setting up and operating standard as well as specialized test equipment to diagnose and analyze the performance of power delivery equipment on the job site.
Responsibilities
    • Work safely alongside all members of the construction crew
    • Acceptance and maintenance testing of 600v to 500kV electrical equipment
    • Installation, commissioning and maintenance of protection and control equipment, SCADA in medium to high-voltage transmission substations such as differential, distance, line protections, transformer protections, overcurrent, etc.
    • Interpret prints, analyze test reports and recommend corrective actions.
    • Work with high voltage equipment such as Circuit breakers, transformers, switches and control circuits for protection, indication and monitoring systems
    • Supervise, mentor and train junior technicians
    • Be able to work with various types of manufacturer's test equipment:
      • Omicron, CMC, CT Analyzer, Cibano, CPC100
      • Doble M4000, SFRA
      • MEGGER, Insulation resistance
      • Ductor, micrometer
      • Dilo SF6 Tester

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $66 - $79 USD at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training.
Requirements
Qualifications
  • Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited post-secondary institution or Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum of 4+ years of experience in Field Testing and Commissioning
  • Experience in substations required (ex. 600v to 500kV)
  • Experience with relay testing with various equipment an software
  • Familiar with power transformers, high voltage switches, breakers, CT's and PT's, NGR, and Capbank
  • Past experience with testing software will be beneficial (Omicron Test Universe, Doble M4000, AcSELerator, Seimens Digsi, Enervista)
  • Competent and comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to work safely and show concern for environmental, health and safety issues in the workplace.
  • Must have the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and have a valid Class 5 driver's license.
  • Willing to work out of town and on rotation

Benefits
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development