Senior Substation Engineer

Department: Substation Engineering

Location:

Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824

Category: Engineering/Technical

Minimum Pay Rate: $136,364.80

Maximum Pay Rate: $180,606.40

Apply by Date: 07/18/2025

Posting Type: Open

The intent of this job posting is to fill two (2) regular, full-time position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future permanent or limited-term vacancies for up to two (2) years.

We are posting this opportunity for a Senior Substation Engineer along with an Associate Substation Engineer Journey, and Associate Substation Engineer Entry position. The department will be filling only two positions which may be at any of the listed levels. If you are interested in also being considered for Associate Substation Engineer Journey or Associate Substation Engineer Entry, you will need to apply to those requisitions directly.

This position will support the substation engineering team in creating designs for and leading high-voltage substation projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing such projects during initiation, detailed design, procurement of equipment and contracts, construction support and closeout phases. The position will also support substation projects related to SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan execution and provides an excellent opportunity for future growth.

Please Note:

Purpose

Provides senior level skills involved in the design of complex standard and non-standard electrical transmission and distribution substations, and facilities and for the development of transmission and distribution substation design and construction standards.

Nature and Scope

Serves as an advanced journey level resource within Substation Engineering; works independently on projects of moderate complexity; exercises independent judgment and discretion; may 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

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Required Education

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

Required Experience Qualifications

At least five (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the planning, design, and operation of electric utility transmission and distribution systems and facilities, including distribution and transmission substations.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge Of

Fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to transmission and distribution systems design, construction, operation, and protection; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to electrical power engineering including advanced circuit analysis, electrical equipment design, short circuit calculations, grounding, and protective relaying; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to manufacturing processes of electrical equipment and components including welding, rubber/fiberglass/plastic extruding, metal fabrication, and assembly; applicable industry standards such as ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, ICEA, ASTM, ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and ISO 9002; federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing safety; concepts related to evaluating and recording performance results; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; methods and techniques for training staff; practices for delegating, assigning, and reviewing work assignments; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and practices for negotiating; techniques and strategies for public speaking; concepts for cost control and project scheduling; performance management techniques related to project management; fundamentals and practices for contract management; procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; techniques and practices related to negotiations and compromise; procedures and practices for overseeing contractor’s/consultant’s work activities; procedures and practices for project budget management; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Establish, manage, monitor and update budget; initiate, establish and maintain working relationships internally/externally; interact with others to influence and motivate; interpret SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs, and/or other special agreements; oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; plan, oversee, and review the work of others; provide input to performance evaluations for the work of others; compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures, and/or activities internally/externally; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely one-on-one or to groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; develop and maintain project budget and schedule; evaluate and resolve complex technical or management issues; monitor and manage projects; negotiate with internal and external management on projects; plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule projects; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; assess situations, documents, and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action; evaluate and resolve complex technical issues; interpret, evaluate, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand, and evaluate verbal/written information and ideas; organize highly complex and conflicting data in a readily understandable manner for various audiences; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

Desirable License/Certificates

Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California.

Physical Requirements

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Req ID: 2317