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Transmission Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Transmission Line Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$82 - $87/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Electrical transmission line engineering for 115kv-500kv. * Strong familiarity with GO 95, NESC ... Identity Theft Protection * Pet Insurance * Employee Wellness Programs * Employee Assistance ...

Transmission Line Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$82.98 - $87.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Nice to Have: Experience in electrical transmission line engineering for 115kv 500kv. Skills ... Plans Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Employee Wellness Programs Employee Assistance ...

Transmission Line Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$82 - $87/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experience in electrical transmission line engineering for 115kv-500kv. Skills: * Engineering ... Identity Theft Protection * Pet Insurance * Employee Wellness Programs * Employee Assistance ...

Showing results 41-60

Transmission Protection Engineer information

What is a transmission protection engineer?

Transmission Protection Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain protection systems for high-voltage electrical transmission networks. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and reliable operation of power grids by detecting faults and isolating affected sections to prevent damage and widespread outages. They work with protective relays, circuit breakers, and other equipment to minimize the impact of electrical faults and maintain grid stability. These engineers play a crucial role in both the planning and ongoing operation of power transmission systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transmission protection engineer?

To thrive as a Transmission Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and relay protection, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE). Familiarity with protection relay software, SCADA systems, and industry standards like IEEE C37 is essential, and certifications like NETA or NERC can be beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure reliable power system operation, minimize outages, and promote safety and regulatory compliance in critical infrastructure.

What are the typical collaboration points between a transmission protection engineer and other engineering teams?

Transmission Protection Engineers regularly collaborate with system planning engineers, substation design teams, and operations personnel. They work closely during the planning and commissioning phases to ensure protection schemes align with system requirements and reliability standards. Effective communication is essential when resolving protection coordination issues or integrating new equipment, as these tasks often require input and approval from multiple teams. This cross-functional collaboration helps maintain grid reliability and ensures projects are completed safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Transmission Protection Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectTransmission Protection EngineerSubstation Engineer
CertificationsPE license, IEEE certificationsPE license, IEEE certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining protection systems for transmission linesDesigning and managing substation equipment and layouts
Industry UsagePower utilities, transmission companiesPower utilities, substation contractors
Common Search IntentProtection system design, relay coordinationSubstation design, equipment installation

While both roles require similar certifications and work within the power industry, Transmission Protection Engineers focus on designing and maintaining protection systems for high-voltage transmission lines, ensuring system reliability. Substation Engineers, on the other hand, concentrate on substation equipment and layout. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals and employers identify the right expertise for specific power system projects.

What are popular job titles related to Transmission Protection Engineer jobs in California?

For Transmission Protection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Transmission Protection Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Transmission Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Transmission Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Transmission Protection Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Transmission Protection Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution.

Transmission Line Engineer 3 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Santa Ana, CA • Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of transmission line engineering including, conductors, hardware, insulation, structures, foundations and electrical principles to:

  • Design transmission lines in the 69kV to 765kV range. 
  • Perform structural analysis and design of pole, lattice, framed, and guyed structures.
  • Perform foundation designs.
  • Perform conductor selection studies, shielding, grounding and induction studies.
  • Develop cost estimates and schedules and prepare specifications for the procurement of transmission line materials and construction. 
  • Specify transmission line components.
  • Model transmission lines in PLS-CADD, determine right of way requirements, calculate conductor sags, and develop transmission line plan and profile drawings. 
  • Review vendor submittals.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a BS degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  • Three or more years related experience in transmission line engineering.
  • Related engineering, internship or co-op work experience.
  • Proficiency with PLS-CADD and PLS-POLE.
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering principles including basic transmission line engineering.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
  • Proficiency with any of the following programs: PLS-TOWER, SAG10, LPILE, MFAD, ArcGIS, CDEGS, AutoCAD, Microstation.
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for engineering calculations.
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$74,353 - $113,595
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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