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.

Find Substation Electrician Jobs

Overview

Open roles37+
Top employerKiewit
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring11
Work type68% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 37+ Substation Electrician jobs

WSP
Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer
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WSP
Added 6d ago
Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer
WSP
San Diego, California
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$68k - $102k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Kiewit
Substation Electrical Engineer
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Kiewit
Added 4mo ago
Substation Electrical Engineer
Kiewit
Irvine, California
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$123k - $129k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Kiewit
Substation Electrical Engineer
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Kiewit
Added 5mo ago
Substation Electrical Engineer
Kiewit
San Diego, California
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$123k - $129k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Arcadis
Senior Substation Electrical Engineer
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Arcadis
Added 5mo ago
Senior Substation Electrical Engineer
Arcadis
Irvine, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
$168k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Arcadis
Senior Substation Electrical Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Arcadis
Added 5mo ago
Senior Substation Electrical Engineer
Arcadis
Los Angeles, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
$168k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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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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Substation Electrician Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
7 jobs
Pomona
6 jobs
Irvine
4 jobs
Los Angeles
4 jobs
Pasadena
4 jobs
Pleasanton
3 jobs
Sacramento
3 jobs
Oakland
2 jobs
West Sacramento
2 jobs

Substation Electrician Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Kiewit
    Kiewit5
  • Mesa Associates
    Mesa Associates5
  • WSP
    WSP5
  • E2 Consulting Engineers
    E2 Consulting Engineers4
  • Pacific Gas and Electric
    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.

Find Substation Electrician Jobs