Substation Electrician Jobs in California
Substation Electrician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in investor-owned utility operations, large municipal power systems, and the state's expanding renewable energy infrastructure, with openings at every level from apprentice and journeyman through senior technician and lead. The heaviest hiring activity centers on Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power maintain ongoing workforce needs. The most in-demand specialties are high-voltage switchgear maintenance, protection and relay testing, and SCADA systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
This Opportunity
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
- Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
WHO YOU ARE
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
- Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary: $68,200 - $102,400
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of California, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See All 37 Substation Electrician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Electrician JobsSubstation Electrician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substation Electrician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kiewit5

- Mesa Associates5

- WSP5

- E2 Consulting Engineers4

- Pacific Gas and Electric4

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services28
- Construction & Real Estate8
- Transportation & Logistics5
- Energy4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation electrician jobs across California.
- Active California General Electrician certification or Electrician Trainee registration with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards
- Experience working on high-voltage electrical systems at or above 4 kV in utility or industrial environments
- Hands-on proficiency with protection and relay testing equipment and switchgear maintenance procedures
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, substation automation, and remote monitoring platforms
- Valid California driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles to field substation sites
- Completion of a state-approved or IBEW-affiliated electrical apprenticeship program preferred by most employers
Substation Electrician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation electrician in California?
The standard path in California begins with registering as an Electrician Trainee through the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards, then completing an IBEW-affiliated or non-union apprenticeship program that includes substation and high-voltage coursework. After accumulating the required hours, you sit for the California General Electrician certification exam administered by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Many utility employers also value a vocational degree in electrical technology from a California community college.
How much do substation electricians make in California?
Substation electricians 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 substation electricians in California?
Employers hiring substation electricians in California right now include Kiewit, Mesa Associates, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's mix of investor-owned utilities, large municipal power departments, and independent contractors serving the growing renewable energy sector means the employer pool here is broader than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most substation electrician jobs?
San Diego, Pomona, and Irvine consistently post the most substation electrician openings in California. Los Angeles and Sacramento drive volume through the dense infrastructure needs of Southern California Edison, LADWP, and SMUD, while the Bay Area's concentration of PG&E operations and large industrial campuses pulls consistent hiring across Alameda and Santa Clara counties.
Are there remote substation electrician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Substation electrician work is almost entirely hands-on and site-specific, requiring physical presence at energized equipment. About 32% of substation electrician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions are typically limited to estimating, project coordination, or protection engineering roles rather than field technician work.
How can I get hired as a substation electrician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying as an Electrician Trainee through an IBEW Local apprenticeship program, which California utilities like PG&E and LADWP actively recruit from for entry-level substation roles. Candidates with electrical helper, meter technician, or power plant operator experience are commonly considered for trainee positions. Completing a California community college program in electrical technology and holding your Electrician Trainee registration with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards gives a new candidate a measurable edge in a competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to substation electrician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to substation electrician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from utilities, contractors, and municipal power departments across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and certifications and apply directly without creating an account or signing up.
See All 37 Substation Electrician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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