Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in California
Substation Electrical Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in utility infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and large-scale transmission projects at every level from entry-level designer to senior project engineer. The heaviest hiring is in the Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento metro areas, where employers like Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and Jacobs Engineering maintain substantial engineering workforces. High-voltage protection and control, relay engineering, and SCADA integration are the most consistently in-demand specialties across California utilities and engineering firms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Project Manager – Electrical Substation Construction
Location: Fresno, CA (Travel Required Throughout California)
Company: Heavy Road & Rail Inc.
Build Critical Infrastructure That Powers California
Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is a growing heavy civil and utility contractor specializing in electrical substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), transmission and distribution infrastructure, and complex civil construction projects throughout California.
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead high-profile utility and substation projects from award through closeout. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving complex challenges, and want to work with one of California's fastest-growing utility contractors, we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Manage multiple electrical substation and utility construction projects.
- Oversee project budgets, schedules, forecasting, and profitability.
- Coordinate field operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and engineering teams.
- Lead project planning, kickoff meetings, and weekly progress reviews.
- Manage contracts, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and project documentation.
- Develop recovery plans to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, utility companies, and project partners.
- Support Superintendents with manpower planning, procurement, and project execution.
- Ensure projects meet company safety and quality standards.
- Successfully close out projects while maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of Project Management experience in utility, heavy civil, or electrical construction.
- Experience managing electrical substations, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, or BESS projects is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of project scheduling, cost control, forecasting, and contract administration.
- Ability to read civil, structural, and electrical construction drawings.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Bluebeam.
- Experience with Procore, HCSS, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar construction software is a plus.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites throughout California.
Compensation & Benefits
- $120,000 – $160,000 annually, based on experience
- Performance bonus opportunity
- Company truck or vehicle allowance
- Fuel card
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Vacation & Holidays
- Cell Phone & Laptop
- Professional Development & Career Advancement
Why Heavy Road & Rail?
At Heavy Road & Rail, you'll work on projects that strengthen California's power grid while joining a team committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence. Our employees have the opportunity to grow professionally, make meaningful contributions, and help shape the future of our company.
If you're looking for a career—not just a job—and want to make an impact on some of California's most important infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply today.
Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Substation Electrical Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Transportation & Logistics
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation electrical engineer jobs across California.
- Active California Professional Engineer license or eligibility to obtain one required
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with power systems coursework preferred
- Experience designing substation protection, control, and relay schemes for utility projects
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent electrical design software
- Familiarity with NERC, IEEE, and ANSI standards governing substation design and safety
- Ability to perform field commissioning and site inspections at live substation facilities
Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation electrical engineer in California?
The standard path is a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering followed by the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, then gaining qualifying experience under a licensed engineer before sitting for the Professional Engineering exam administered by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Licensure as a California PE is not always required to enter the field, but it is expected for engineers of record and heavily preferred by utilities and large EPC firms.
How much do substation electrical engineers make in California?
Substation electrical engineers in California earn a median of about $144,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $217,760 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire substation electrical engineers in California?
Employers hiring substation electrical engineers in California right now include Burns & McDonnell, Arcadis, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large investor-owned utilities and the engineering firms that support grid modernization and wildfire mitigation projects drive steady, year-round demand for this role.
Which California cities have the most substation electrical engineer jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Brea have the most substation electrical engineer openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento see high volume because Pacific Gas and Electric's headquarters and major grid operations are centered there, while Los Angeles reflects the scale of Southern California Edison's transmission and distribution infrastructure and the volume of renewable interconnection work in the southern part of the state.
Are there remote substation electrical engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Substation engineering is heavily hands-on, involving field commissioning, site surveys, and coordination at live facilities, which limits full remote work. About 9% of substation electrical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be design-only or project management roles where fieldwork is handled separately by other team members.
How can I get hired as a substation electrical engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to rotational new-graduate engineering programs at California's investor-owned utilities, where Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison both run structured programs that place early-career engineers in power delivery and substation groups. Adjacent roles such as electrical designer, relay technician, or protection and control technician are common lateral moves that build the hands-on experience utilities require. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before applying gives candidates a clear credential edge even without direct substation project experience.
Where can I find and apply to substation electrical engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to substation electrical engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly.
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