Principal Distribution System Engineer

SMUD is looking to fill a regular, full-time Principal Distribution System Engineer position in the Transmission & Distribution Maintenance Planning team. We are seeking a highly engaged individual to join the maintenance engineering team that supports our Zero Carbon Plan. This position will provide real-time engineering support for the safe and reliable operation of SMUD’s power system. The ideal candidate will work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and will be responsible for the development of maintenance plans and projects, as well as troubleshooting and testing oversight of SMUD’s transmission assets, that ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

SMUD’s ideal candidate for this position is a forward-thinking leader who has an extensive background in transmission maintenance practices, power system and can utilize advanced tools to help resolve adverse grid conditions to ensure that the system is operating in its optimal state. The selected candidate will analyze complex technical problems and apply engineering principles to develop solutions; diagnose operational and design problems in electrical systems; interpret drawings, schematics, statistical data, and reports. Additionally, the successful candidate must be able to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; operate modern office equipment including a computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; present technical information in a clear and concise manner; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Nature and Scope

Serves as a technical or functional expert or consultant providing expertise and/or direction in one or more areas of a professional discipline and assumes responsibility for resolving complex problems and overseeing complex projects. May also serve in a Lead role and assist in planning, coordinating, prioritizing, monitoring, and evaluating the work results in assigned area and in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating, and developing lower-level personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

Required Education

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Required Experience Qualifications

Seven or more (7+) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, and operation of electric utility distribution systems.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Knowledge Of

SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs, and other special agreements; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; methods and techniques for training staff; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; techniques for exercising leadership and authority; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and practices for negotiating; principles and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; complex computer systems and resources; electronic records; database administration; interrelationships between SMUD’s operations and relevant external entities; principles, practices, and procedures related to power distribution systems; concepts and systems related to distribution construction, planning, operation, and maintenance; concepts and systems related to engineering analyses of reliability, power quality, root cause, and economic and systems data; computer-aided modeling and analysis; methods and equipment related to distribution system monitoring; theories and practices related to electric power system design; theories and practices related electric distribution system planning; load data analysis and forecasting methodologies; policies, practices, and procedures related to distribution system maintenance; performance management techniques related to project management; principles and practices for contract management; procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.

Desirable Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.