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System Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PG&E Corporation

System Protection Engineer

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $193K/yr

CA Minimum, $120,888 CA Maximum, $193,020 Job Responsibilities May perform all the functions of Associate System Protection Engineer and in addition: * Provide guidance to peers and lower-level ...

SECO Energy

System Protection Engineer

Sumterville, FL · On-site

Four (4) year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in power system analysis, system protection and relay maintenance * Preferred: Registered Professional Engineer in the ...

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do system protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for system protection engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a system protection engineer do?

A System Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining protection systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults or abnormal conditions. Their main goal is to ensure the reliability and safety of the power grid by developing protection schemes and coordinating relays and circuit breakers. They also analyze system disturbances, conduct fault studies, and work closely with other engineers to resolve issues and improve system performance. This role is vital in preventing blackouts and minimizing damage to equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system protection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and relay coordination, often backed by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with power system software such as ETAP, SEL AcSELerator, and experience with protective relays and SCADA systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with operations teams. These competencies ensure the reliable and safe operation of electrical power grids, minimizing system failures and service interruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by system protection engineers in coordinating with operations and maintenance teams?

System Protection Engineers frequently collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure reliable power system performance and quick response to faults. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex relay settings and protection schemes to non-engineering personnel, which requires clear documentation and training. Additionally, coordinating scheduled maintenance or testing without disrupting system reliability can be demanding, especially during peak demand periods. Effective teamwork and proactive planning are essential to overcome these challenges and maintain system integrity.
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System Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

System Protection Engineer

West Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

PG&E Corporation
See more jobs at PG&E Corporationexternal

$120K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Requisition ID # 172922 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: West Sacramento

Department Overview

The Electric Engineering Team ensures the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Engineering is responsible for every aspect of PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, system protection engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration and emergency response.

Position Summary

This job is represented by Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) subject to collective bargaining.

This is a journey-level protection engineer job that requires executing routine protection duties with minimal assistance This position requires a moderate level of training, direction and review of work from more senior engineers and peers. This job is responsible for providing technical protection engineering for routine projects and maintenance/operation support including, but not limited to, issuing protection requirements, relay and automatics settings, processing clearances, and investigating relay operations.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.

The annual salary range is:

CA Minimum, $120,888

CA Maximum, $193,020

Job Responsibilities

May perform all the functions of Associate System Protection Engineer and in addition:

  • Provide guidance to peers and lower-level engineers
  • Perform protection job duties for transmission voltages 230 kV and below
  • Handle special and complex projects, such as localized special protection scheme and MPAC
  • Perform protection job duties for distribution voltages
  • Handle special and complex projects, such as localized special protection scheme, fast distribution bus pickup scheme, tie cable, Switchgear IPAC, etc.
  • Participate in development of design standards, new tools and new relay schemes

Qualifications

 

Minimum:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US
  • 3 years of experience in system protection 

Desired

  • Current and active California PE license desired
  • Ability to calculate relay settings for all station automatics schemes, transmission line relaying, transformer bank protection, bus protection, generator protection, and breaker failure schemes
  • Thorough computer application and fault analysis program knowledge
  • Knowledge of symmetrical component theory and ability to perform fault calculations.
  • Basic understanding of logic gate theory and control circuitry
  • Knowledge of electric system protection equipment, instrumentation and test procedures
  • Ability to analyze relay operations and determine fault locations
  • Interprets applicable codes, industry standards and regulations and educates others

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