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Switchgear Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Work closely with sales, engineering, procurement, logistics, and factory teams * Assist management ... Experience in MV switchgear, LV electrical products, industrial controls, or power distribution ...

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Report to the Production Manager, the Switchgear Assembler, is responsible for assembling ... and engineering diagrams * Basic math skills to meet technical specifications and measurements

Report to the Production Manager, the Switchgear Assembler, is responsible for assembling ... and engineering diagrams * Basic math skills to meet technical specifications and measurements

Mechanical assembly of components for switchgear cabinets * Uses various power tools and hand tools ... and engineering diagrams * Basic math skills to meet technical specifications and measurements

Mechanical assembly of components for switchgear cabinets * Uses various power tools and hand tools ... and engineering diagrams * Basic math skills to meet technical specifications and measurements

Professional Engineer (PE) TRAVEL: As Needed SALARY: $165,000- $200,000 Astrion has an exciting ... switchgear, and campus-wide distribution networks (typically 2.4kV to 35kV+) at NASA Ames Research ...

High Voltage Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) TRAVEL: As Needed SALARY: $165,000- $200,000 Astrion has an exciting ... switchgear, and campus-wide distribution networks (typically 2.4kV to 35kV+) at NASA Ames Research ...

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Switchgear Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do switchgear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for switchgear engineer in California is $109,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Switchgear Engineer job?

A Switchgear Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical switchgear systems used to control, protect, and isolate electrical circuits. They work with low, medium, and high-voltage equipment to ensure system reliability and safety. Their role involves selecting components, performing simulations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Switchgear Engineers collaborate with electrical designers, project managers, and field technicians to deliver efficient power distribution solutions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Switchgear Engineer?

As a Switchgear Engineer, you can expect your daily responsibilities to include designing and specifying switchgear systems, reviewing technical drawings, overseeing installation or commissioning activities, and troubleshooting equipment failures or issues. You’ll often collaborate closely with project managers, electrical contractors, and maintenance teams to ensure projects meet safety and performance standards. Site visits to supervise installations and perform testing are also common aspects of the role. Effective documentation and communication with clients or stakeholders are key parts of your routine, ensuring that all technical requirements and deadlines are met.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles, including switchgear engineers, do not typically reach a $500,000 annual salary, highly specialized or executive-level engineers in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or senior consulting roles can earn such high compensation. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What does a switchgear engineer do?

A switchgear engineer designs, tests, and maintains electrical switchgear systems used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment in power distribution. They ensure these systems operate safely and efficiently, often working with high-voltage equipment and using specialized tools and safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of electrical standards are typically required for this role.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Switchgear engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership positions in large projects or companies. However, such high salaries are uncommon and typically require senior-level roles, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or regions. Most electrical engineers earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on location, experience, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Switchgear Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Switchgear Engineer should have a strong background in electrical engineering, hands-on experience with power distribution systems, and proficiency in designing, testing, and maintaining switchgear equipment. Familiarity with industry standards (such as IEC or ANSI), AutoCAD or similar design software, and relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with cross-functional teams and clients. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical infrastructure in various industrial or utility settings.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced skills, management responsibilities, or work in high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Switchgear Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Switchgear Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Switchgear 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 $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Senior Switchgear Electrical Engineer - Medium & Low Voltage (MV/LV)

Vital Chemicals

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$132K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Senior Switchgear Electrical Engineer - Medium & Low Voltage (MV/LV)

Role Summary

The Senior Switchgear Engineer (MV/LV) is responsible for the design, engineering, validation, and technical leadership of medium- and low-voltage switchgear systems. This role provides subject-matter expertise across the full product lifecycle-from concept and specification through manufacturing, testing, installation support, and commissioning-while ensuring compliance with applicable standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Engineering

  • Lead the design and engineering of MV (typically 1 kV-36 kV) and LV (1 kV) switchgear systems, including air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS) solutions where applicable.
  • Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, GA drawings, and protection & control philosophies.
  • Specify and select components such as circuit breakers, contactors, relays, busbars, CTs/VTs, protection devices, and interlocking systems.
  • Perform electrical calculations including short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, thermal, and dielectric analyses.
  • Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, and safety requirements.

Standards & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with relevant international and regional standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE, ANSI, UL, NFPA, NEC, CSA).
  • Support product certification, type testing, routine testing, and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
  • Maintain awareness of evolving industry standards, codes, and best practices.

Project & Customer Support

  • Act as technical lead on assigned projects, supporting sales, proposals, and customer technical clarifications.
  • Interface directly with customers, consultants, utilities, and inspectors to resolve technical issues.
  • Review customer specifications and translate requirements into compliant engineering solutions.
  • Provide on-site technical support during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting as needed.

Manufacturing & Quality

  • Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and cost-effective designs.
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality, reliability, or field issues.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to design efficiency, standardization, and product robustness.

Leadership & Mentoring

  • Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers as/when needed.
  • Review and approve engineering deliverables.
  • Contribute to technical documentation, design guidelines, and engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • 8-12+ years of experience in MV/LV switchgear design or electrical power systems.
  • Strong knowledge of protection and control systems.
  • Hands-on experience with switchgear testing, commissioning, or field support.
  • Proficiency with engineering tools (e.g., AutoCAD, EPLAN, ETAP, SKM, or equivalent).
  • In-depth understanding of electrical safety principles and arc-flash mitigation.
  • Mandarin speaking abilities are a strong plus, but not mandatory