Relay Technician Jobs in California
Relay Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in electric utilities, regional transmission organizations, and large industrial facilities, with openings at every level from entry-level apprentice through senior protection engineer. The greatest hiring volume is in the Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco Bay Area metros, where employers like Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power maintain large relay and protection departments. The most in-demand specialties are protective relay testing, substation automation, and IEC 61850 digital relay configuration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Relay Technician jobs
INTRODUCTION
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.
At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.
We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.
PURPOSE
As a Relay Technician, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to ensure the integrity of critical substation systems.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Inspect, test, adjust, calibrate, and repair a variety of substation equipment
- Install and maintain automatic controls and equipment protection devices across substations, transmission systems, and generating equipment
- Download, verify, and troubleshoot logic programming and microprocessor relay systems
- Certify all related wiring, performing operational checks, and gathering in-service test data
- Evaluate data from system performance tests and applying findings to ensure system integrity
- Support the safe and efficient operation of generating and distribution systems
- Perform other responsibilities as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At least 2 years of experience as a Relay Technician or equivalent technical experience
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic theory, including microprocessor relaying, phasor diagrams, and circuit analysis
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex substation systems, evaluate performance data, and certify protective wiring and programming
- Training or coursework in mathematics relevant to the field
- Proficiency with substation computing systems, testing equipment, and related software
- Ability to perform switching operations safely (or become qualified within 90 days)
- A commitment to working safely and accurately
WHAT WE OFFER
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage & a 401K plan with a 5% match, effective day one
- Annual bonus and merit increase eligibility
- Life insurance and short-term & long-term disability
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Free Employee Assistance Program & Headspace account
- 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid company holidays, & 3 paid volunteer days
- Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, & reimbursement for certification costs
- Reward & recognition programs, service awards, a great company culture, and a collaborative & flexible work environment
COMPENSATION
Pay: $86.11 per hour
Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.
OUR MISSION
We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.
OUR VISION
We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Customer Centric
- Integrity
- Entrepreneurial
- Teamwork
- Owner mindset
- Outcome focused
- Continuous learning
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.
Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.
LOCATION
Tahoe Vista, CA, US, 96148
Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
INTRODUCTION
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.
At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.
We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.
PURPOSE
As a Relay Technician, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to ensure the integrity of critical substation systems.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Inspect, test, adjust, calibrate, and repair a variety of substation equipment
- Install and maintain automatic controls and equipment protection devices across substations, transmission systems, and generating equipment
- Download, verify, and troubleshoot logic programming and microprocessor relay systems
- Certify all related wiring, performing operational checks, and gathering in-service test data
- Evaluate data from system performance tests and applying findings to ensure system integrity
- Support the safe and efficient operation of generating and distribution systems
- Perform other responsibilities as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At least 2 years of experience as a Relay Technician or equivalent technical experience
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic theory, including microprocessor relaying, phasor diagrams, and circuit analysis
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex substation systems, evaluate performance data, and certify protective wiring and programming
- Training or coursework in mathematics relevant to the field
- Proficiency with substation computing systems, testing equipment, and related software
- Ability to perform switching operations safely (or become qualified within 90 days)
- A commitment to working safely and accurately
WHAT WE OFFER
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage & a 401K plan with a 5% match, effective day one
- Annual bonus and merit increase eligibility
- Life insurance and short-term & long-term disability
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Free Employee Assistance Program & Headspace account
- 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid company holidays, & 3 paid volunteer days
- Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, & reimbursement for certification costs
- Reward & recognition programs, service awards, a great company culture, and a collaborative & flexible work environment
COMPENSATION
Pay: $86.11 per hour
Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.
OUR MISSION
We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.
OUR VISION
We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Customer Centric
- Integrity
- Entrepreneurial
- Teamwork
- Owner mindset
- Outcome focused
- Continuous learning
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.
Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.
LOCATION
Tahoe Vista, CA, US, 96148
Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
See All 6 Relay Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Relay Technician JobsRelay Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Relay Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- EPS5
- LIBERTY1
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in relay technician jobs across California.
- NETA or NICET certification in electrical testing recognized by California utilities
- Hands-on experience testing and calibrating electromechanical and microprocessor-based protective relays
- Proficiency with relay test sets such as Doble, Omicron, or Megger equipment
- Working knowledge of power system protection schemes including overcurrent, distance, and differential
- Ability to read and interpret substation one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and relay drawings
- Valid California driver's license for travel between substations and field sites
Relay Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a relay technician in California?
The most direct path is completing an accredited electrical or power systems technology program at a California community college, followed by an apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or a utility-sponsored program. California does not require a state-issued relay technician license, but employers strongly prefer NETA Electrical Testing Technician certification or NICET credentials. Experience as a substation electrician or metering technician is a common entry point into relay-specific roles.
How much do relay technicians make in California?
Relay technicians in California earn a median of about $121,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,440 for the lowest 10% to over $165,540 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire relay technicians in California?
Employers hiring relay technicians in California right now include EPS and LIBERTY, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large investor-owned utilities and municipal power departments consistently post the greatest number of openings, often hiring for multiple substations across the state.
Which California cities have the most relay technician jobs?
Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco have the most relay technician openings in California. Los Angeles and Sacramento lead because of the major utility headquarters and regional transmission infrastructure concentrated there, while the Bay Area draws additional demand from industrial campuses, data center buildout, and grid modernization projects tied to PG&E's service territory.
Are there remote relay technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Relay technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical access to substation equipment for testing, commissioning, and maintenance. About 0% of relay technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are almost exclusively in engineering review, relay setting calculations, or protection coordination studies rather than field testing.
How can I get hired as a relay technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an IBEW apprenticeship through a California Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which places trainees directly with utilities and electrical contractors. Southern California Edison and LADWP run associate technician programs that accept candidates without relay-specific experience. Moving laterally from a metering technician, substation electrician, or control room operator role is another common route. Earning a NETA Level I certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge over other entry-level applicants.
Where can I find and apply to relay technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to relay technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 6 Relay Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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