Title: Power Generation Electrical Engineer, Journey (Open Until Filled)
Pollock Pines, CA, US, 95726-1500
Minimum Pay Rate: $131,248.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $173,888.00
Civil Service Status: Civil Service
Notes:
- This position is being posted at both the journey and senior levels; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.
- This position will be posted until a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been received but may close at any time after October 26, 2026.
SMUD, a community-owned, not-for-profit utility serving over 1.5 million customers in Sacramento, has provided reliable and affordable electricity for over 75 years. Hydroelectric power is an important part of our diverse energy portfolio.
We are seeking a journey-level Power Generation Electrical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and ongoing improvement of electrical systems at the Fresh Pond Maintenance Facility near Pollock Pines, California, about an hour east of Sacramento. This site supports the Upper American River Project with multiple powerhouses, reservoirs, dams, and infrastructure.
This position reports to our Fresh Pond maintenance facility near Pollock Pines, California. The facility is responsible for the maintenance and construction activities necessary to service 19 dams, nine powerhouses, reservoirs, interconnecting tunnels, penstocks, and support structures. The role involves managing a diverse range of projects related to SMUD's assets. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of engineering including project management, sizing and selection of key electrical equipment, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with electrical standards.
Candidates with some experience in power generation, equipment maintenance, and regulatory standards, who enjoy working outdoors and as part of a team, will find this position to be a rewarding opportunity to contribute to SMUD’s ongoing energy mission.
Application Preparation: As part of the application process, candidates will be required to answer one (1) question when submitting their application. Please be advised, "Refer to resume" responses will not be accepted
Purpose
Under general supervision, performs responsibilities of minor to moderately complex electrical engineering core responsibilities, including problem resolution/project assignments, in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.
Nature and Scope
There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:
Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:
- Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
- Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.
Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:
- Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may act in a lead/supervisory capacity.
- Principal: Subject matter expert/lead/supervisory level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.
Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.
Duties and Responsibilities - All Assets
- Conduct engineering design for electrical systems supporting modifications that enhance the reliability and efficiency of power generation assets, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safety standards, and budget constraints.
- Develop detailed project documentation, including Design Change Notices (DCN) packages, and produce accurate as-built drawings based on field data; manage the revision and approval process within the Generation Design document control system.
- Lead the preparation of bid packages for equipment and service procurement; collaborate with supply chain team, evaluate vendor bids, and oversee contractor activities throughout project execution to ensure quality, support, and cost control.
- Create detailed electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, and construction documents using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software; support GIS mapping activities specific to SMUD’s assets for asset management and planning purposes.
- Engage in project management tasks, such as planning and coordinating power generation projects; develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resources; serve as the main point of contact from initiation through completion.
- Identify, proactively, potential project risks or issues, coordinate with external agencies, field crews, and contractors, and facilitate smooth project transitions from design to operational phases.
- Assess project alternatives through technical evaluations and cost/benefit analyses to ensure optimal engineering solutions are implemented.
- Conduct field investigations and inspections to verify design compliance, update as-built records, and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
- Represent SMUD at technical and stakeholder meetings, effectively communicating project needs, technical challenges, and progress.
- Serve as the primary contact for low-complexity projects, coordinating communication with internal teams, external agencies, and contractors to meet project schedules and deliverables.
- Perform additional engineering tasks as needed to support project objectives, regulatory compliance, and organizational goals.
Duties and Responsibilities - Hydro Generation
- Perform engineering design and technical analysis for electrical systems supporting hydroelectric generation facilities, including generator circuits, excitation systems, high/medium/low voltage distribution systems, switchyard/substation equipment, and related plant electrical infrastructure.
- Develop and review electrical drawings and technical documents, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, equipment layouts, grounding details, and installation drawings for hydroelectric facilities.
- Support maintenance, rehabilitation, and capital improvement projects by preparing designs, specifications, cost estimates, and technical recommendations that improve reliability, safety, and plant availability.
- Participate in testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and inspection activities for hydroelectric electrical equipment such as generators, transformers, switchgear, bus systems, protective relays, and auxiliary power systems.
- Assist in the development and update of engineering standards, procedures and documentation related to hydroelectric electrical systems, maintenance practices, reliability assessments, and plant modifications.
- Provide technical support for troubleshooting electrical failures and equipment performance issues, including participation in root cause analysis and development of corrective actions.
- Support compliance activities associated with hydroelectric electrical systems, including documentation and reporting related to regulatory requirements, electrical safety, and asset performance.
- Participate in modernization and rehabilitation projects involving protective relays, auxiliary power systems, monitoring devices, and other electrical upgrades intended to improve plant reliability and operational safety.
- Support environmental and dam safety efforts as they relate to reliable electrical supply, emergency power systems, spillway actuation, and critical station service systems.
- Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours, and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.
Required Education
- Bachelor’s degree majoring in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.
Required Experience Qualifications
- At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of electrical systems for an electric utility asset.
Required Licenses/Certificates
- Engineer In Training (EIT) test. In lieu of having passed the EIT, incumbent will be expected to pass the test prior to completion of the first year of employment as a condition of probation.
Knowledge Of
- Advanced electrical engineering fundamentals, including the design, operation and maintenance of power generation, transmission and distribution systems.
- Design, installation, testing, and troubleshooting of power system components such as generators, transformers, switchyards, substations, and protection relays.
- Power system operation, control strategies, and integration of automation systems used in power plants and grid interfaces.
- Regulations, standards and codes governing electrical systems, including federal, state and local requirements relevant to utilities.
- Project management practices, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.
- Budget development, cost estimation, and financial management for engineering projects.
- Standard office procedures and software, including engineering design tools, SCADA systems, GIS platforms, and document management systems.
- Effective technical communication, including report writing, technical presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
Skills To
- Conduct detailed electrical analysis, modeling and design using specialized engineering software and tools.
- Utilize CAD, GIS, SCADA, relay coordination, and protection analysis programs efficiently.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and testing data to support system assessments and improvements.
- Develop and review technical specifications, engineering drawings, and control system schematics.
- Evaluate vendor proposals, bid submissions, and equipment specifications to ensure compliance and quality.
- Prepare accurate estimates of project scope, schedule, costs, and resource needs.
- Lead, coordinate, and review work performed by junior engineers, technicians, and contractors.
- Understand and apply regulatory standards and environmental, safety and operational protocols.
- Communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences, including internal teams, vendors, and regulators.
- Manage project budgets, schedules and reporting, ensuring milestones are met within scope.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally to support project success.
Desirable Qualifications
- Familiarity with the design and maintenance of power generation electrical systems – including excitation, transformers, transmission, automation, and protection
- Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE)
- Experience managing capital and maintenance projects from start to finish
- Experience working in the field with skilled trades.
- Familiarity with regulations that apply to our generation assets (FERC, NERC, electrical codes) and a track record of keeping projects compliant
- Strong communication skills, orally and in written reports
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.
Onsite Work
This position will be required to work onsite at our field office in Pollock Pines, CA. Most employees select a 4 x 10h schedule, but other schedules are available. Employees may be eligible for reduced cost vanpools and EV Charging.
CalPERS
SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.