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Trainee Power Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

... Engineer (PE) license. * Experience designing, deploying, and optimizing high-voltage (HV) and medium/low-voltage (MV/LV) power systems (e.g., protection, controls, microgrids, on-site generation)

Power Systems Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

... engineering lead for major utility and distribution systems. You'll balance real world field ... From power system studies to guiding upgrades and supporting capital improvements, you'll be the ...

Power Systems Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

... engineering lead for major utility and distribution systems. You'll balance real world field ... From power system studies to guiding upgrades and supporting capital improvements, you'll be the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trainee Power Systems Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.2K

$96.7K

$167.1K

How much do trainee power systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee power systems engineer in Washington, DC is $96,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee power systems engineer?

Trainee power systems engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, operating, and maintaining electrical power systems. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to learn about power generation, transmission, and distribution. Their responsibilities may include supporting project management, analyzing system performance, and assisting with the integration of renewable energy sources. The role serves as a training period to develop technical and analytical skills before advancing to more senior engineering positions.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a trainee power systems engineer expect in their first year?

As a Trainee Power Systems Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with power flow studies, analyzing grid performance, and supporting senior engineers in designing and maintaining electrical systems. Your daily responsibilities may include data analysis, preparing technical reports, and participating in site visits. You'll likely collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to real-world challenges such as integrating renewable energy sources or improving grid reliability. This early experience is valuable for building foundational skills and understanding industry-standard tools and practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee power systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Power Systems Engineer, you generally need a degree in electrical or power engineering, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as MATLAB, ETAP, or PowerWorld, and exposure to grid simulation tools are often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation and development of electrical power infrastructures.

What is the difference between Trainee Power Systems Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectTrainee Power Systems EngineerPower Systems Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant engineering degreeBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, with some experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasks, entry-level projectsDesign, analysis, and maintenance of power systems in professional settings
CertificationsOften not required, but may pursue industry certificationsProfessional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent often preferred
ResponsibilitiesLearning, assisting senior engineers, basic analysisIndependent project work, system design, troubleshooting

The main difference between a Trainee Power Systems Engineer and a Power Systems Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Trainees are in learning phases, focusing on gaining skills, while Power Systems Engineers are fully responsible for designing and maintaining power systems. The transition from trainee to engineer involves gaining experience, certifications, and taking on more complex tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Power Systems Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site


Google
Software Development • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 246 rated software companies

Free food

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

info_outline
X In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:
  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
  • Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
  • Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
  • Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
  • Holidays: 13 paid days per year
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Reston, VA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Austin, TX, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 12 years of experience in mission critical facility design and construction environments.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, or a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience designing, deploying, and optimizing high-voltage (HV) and medium/low-voltage (MV/LV) power systems (e.g., protection, controls, microgrids, on-site generation).
  • Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant building codes.
  • Ability to steer architectural direction across matrixed engineering teams through strong technical credibility and indirect influence.
  • Ability to align executive technical leaders to establish and execute technology roadmaps.
  • Demonstrated track record of defining and executing long-term technical strategies/architectural goals for global data center infrastructure development teams.

About the job
Our thirst for technology is a part of everything we do. The Data Center Engineering team takes the physical design of our data centers into the future. Our lab mirrors a research and development department -- cutting-edge strategies are born, tested and tested again. Along with a team of great minds, you take on complex topics like how we use power or how to run state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly facilities. You're a visionary who optimizes for efficiencies and never stops seeking improvements -- even small changes that can make a huge impact. You generate ideas, communicate recommendations to senior-level executives and drive implementation alongside facilities technicians.
With your technical expertise, you ensure compliance with codes and standards, develop infrastructure improvements and serve as an expert in your specialty (e.g., cooling, electrical).
Google's custom-designed infrastructure powers one of the largest, most efficient computing systems in the world. In this role, you will shape the future of our data centers, pioneering next-generation power architectures where physical infrastructure meets IT. You will lead revolutionary development initiatives alongside Google's Hardware, Software, Supply Chain, and Operations teams. By steering internal engineering and driving external industry collaboration, you will provide the visionary technical direction needed to scale our global footprint for the AI era.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $214000 - $298000 (USD) 25% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and optimization of data center equipment, systems, and global operational strategies.
  • Oversee system development across electrical, power, energy, and control systems to optimize design efficiency.
  • Analyze system performance data and present technical tradeoffs clearly to support executive-level decision-making. Work with internal and external partners to design for constructability, reducing costs and delivery times.
  • Refine engineering processes to eliminate waste while preserving and scaling successful practices.
  • Influence cross-functional teams to develop and deliver technical solutions and shared technical goals. Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment across teams.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.


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