Substation Engineer Jobs in California
Substation Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, and large-scale renewable energy development, with openings at every level from entry-level designers through senior protection and control specialists. The heaviest hiring runs through the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, where employers such as Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and Bechtel have long-established operations. Protection and control engineering, relay engineering, and high-voltage design are the most consistently in-demand specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 76+ Substation Engineer jobs
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs - so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.
Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
- TRC is a Prime Consultant under BART’s Construction Management Support Services On-Call Contract and is actively supporting multiple major capital improvement projects throughout the BART system. This position offers the opportunity to join an established CM team with long-term opportunities supporting BART’s infrastructure modernization program.
- The Resident Engineer will serve as TRC’s lead field representative responsible for administering the construction contract, managing inspection staff, coordinating with BART and the Contractor, and overseeing the successful delivery of this major transit infrastructure project.
- The project includes the procurement and installation of three new traction power substations located in Richmond (RPA), Oakland (KTF), and Concord (CMR). Construction includes site preparation, underground utilities, trenching and excavation, reinforced concrete foundations, installation of traction power equipment, medium-voltage feeder cables connecting to the existing BART traction power system, underground duct banks and vaults, roadway and surface restoration, testing, commissioning, and project closeout.
- California Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Previous experience serving as a Resident Engineer on BART, Caltrain, VTA, LA Metro, or other major rail/transit agency projects.
- Experience with traction power substations, electrical distribution systems, utility coordination, testing, and commissioning.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary construction management and inspection teams.
Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
- Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
- 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
- Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
- All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
- TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.
Salary Range: USD $38.00 - USD $88.40 /Hr.TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs - so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.
Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
- TRC is a Prime Consultant under BART’s Construction Management Support Services On-Call Contract and is actively supporting multiple major capital improvement projects throughout the BART system. This position offers the opportunity to join an established CM team with long-term opportunities supporting BART’s infrastructure modernization program.
- The Resident Engineer will serve as TRC’s lead field representative responsible for administering the construction contract, managing inspection staff, coordinating with BART and the Contractor, and overseeing the successful delivery of this major transit infrastructure project.
- The project includes the procurement and installation of three new traction power substations located in Richmond (RPA), Oakland (KTF), and Concord (CMR). Construction includes site preparation, underground utilities, trenching and excavation, reinforced concrete foundations, installation of traction power equipment, medium-voltage feeder cables connecting to the existing BART traction power system, underground duct banks and vaults, roadway and surface restoration, testing, commissioning, and project closeout.
- California Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Previous experience serving as a Resident Engineer on BART, Caltrain, VTA, LA Metro, or other major rail/transit agency projects.
- Experience with traction power substations, electrical distribution systems, utility coordination, testing, and commissioning.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary construction management and inspection teams.
Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
- Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
- 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
- Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
- All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
- TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.
TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.
Salary Range: USD $38.00 - USD $88.40 /Hr.See All 76 Substation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substation Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy12
- Burns & McDonnell8
- E2 Consulting Engineers7
- Kiewit5
- Electrical Consultants5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services23
- Construction & Real Estate11
- Energy9
- Transportation & Logistics6
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
- California Professional Engineer license or active EIT registration strongly preferred
- Three or more years of substation design or protection and control engineering experience
- Proficiency with AutoCAD or CADKEY for substation design drawings and schematics
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards and California CPUC interconnection requirements
- Experience with protective relay coordination studies and relay settings documentation
Substation Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation engineer in California?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then register as an Engineer-in-Training through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. After gaining qualifying experience, passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam earns you a Professional Engineer license, which California utilities and major EPCs increasingly require for lead and senior substation roles.
Which companies hire substation engineers in California?
Employers hiring substation engineers in California right now include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and E2 Consulting Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large investor-owned utilities, major EPC firms, and renewable energy developers represent the most consistent sources of substation engineering demand in the state.
Which California cities have the most substation engineer jobs?
San Diego, Pasadena, and Los Angeles have the most substation engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because Pacific Gas and Electric is headquartered there and major EPC firms maintain large engineering offices nearby, while Los Angeles draws demand from Southern California Edison and a growing concentration of renewable interconnection projects, and Sacramento reflects SMUD hiring and state-level grid infrastructure work.
Are there remote substation engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Substation engineering involves significant field work, site reviews, and hands-on coordination that limits full remote arrangements. About 36% of substation engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and when flexibility does exist it tends to apply to design, relay coordination studies, and documentation work rather than construction oversight or commissioning roles.
How can I get hired as a substation engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is applying directly to the new graduate and engineer development programs that Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and SMUD run each year for candidates with an electrical engineering degree and an EIT registration. Entry-level roles often carry titles like electrical engineer associate or protection and control engineer I, and candidates who have completed a senior capstone in power systems or an internship at a California utility move to the front of the applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to substation engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to substation engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly.
See All 76 Substation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer Jobs