Title: Associate Substation Engineer Journey
Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824
Minimum Pay Rate: $114,712.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $151,985.60
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 an Associate Substation Engineer Journey along with a Senior Substation Engineer, 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 Senior Substation Engineer 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:
- You must clearly demonstrate, on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the required and desirable qualifications sections of this posting.
Purpose
Under general supervision, designs standard and non-standard electrical transmission and distribution substations, and facilities in compliance with relevant SMUD, local, state, and federal safety and engineering codes, laws, and regulations.
Nature and Scope
Serves as a journey level Substation Engineering resource working independently on relevant work and projects of minor to moderate complexity. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assists in ensuring that electrical transmission and distribution facilities are adequately designed to meet SMUD's power requirements as well as local, state, and federal safety and engineering codes, laws, and regulations; contributes to the development and construction of utility power system projects by preparing designs of electrical facilities such as transmission and distribution substations, and standard and non-standard service facilities; prepares rough/conceptual design drawings and diagrams; oversees the preparation of finished drawings; reviews final drawings for accuracy and conformance with design requirements; prepares draft technical specifications for equipment purchases and electrical systems; collects, computes, and compiles engineering data/statistics for equipment power requirements, electrical load surveys, and similar data and interprets and makes recommendations based on data collected.
- Ensures the performance and progress of assigned projects and the proper and efficient use of SMUD resources; develops plans that define project scope, budget, schedule, and resources; manages project design and construction including budget management, scheduling, coordination of engineering work, resources and materials, and reporting and resolution of issues; writes procedures and provides field engineering support to SMUD technicians during construction and startup of facilities; resolves conflicts with external agencies, customers and/or contract staffs, and between internal groups.
- Ensures the selection and performance of contractors in accordance with project needs, requirements, and contract agreements; reviews requests for contract services; writes specifications for contract bid requests; evaluates bids; manages contract services for assigned projects; processes contractors’ material submittals and drawings; inspects and reports on contractors’ construction procedures; performs final inspection of completed construction.
- Ensures that materials and equipment utilized in the construction and maintenance of SMUD power distribution and transmission facilities meet established standards, specifications, and quality requirements; performs source inspections of manufacturing facilities for pre-qualification and during production; prepares receipt inspection procedures; conducts receiving inspection on critical items; works with the test laboratory to conduct electrical and mechanical tests on new materials to figure out suitability for intended use and compliance with specifications.
- Maintains working relationships with other departments and work groups that interface with assigned projects; develops and maintains clear and open channels of communication; obtains and dispenses information necessary to projects; confers on situations and problems of mutual concern.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Contributes to the development and appearance of SMUD property exteriors by developing landscaping and irrigation design and specifications with emphasis on the selection of materials for quality, low maintenance, hardiness, size, and compliance with environmental requirements.
- Under the close guidance of senior and/or principal level Substation Engineers, increases technical knowledge and expertise by learning and performing the following functions/duties: develops substation design and construction standards; evaluates new substation materials and equipment; coordinates trial material and equipment installations and performs comprehensive review of application, construction issues, test results, and performance; initiates stock material specifications for new material purchases, modifications, or deletion of obsolete equipment to maintain supply of safe, high quality equipment to build SMUD’s transmission and distribution substations and facilities; inspects manufacturers’ plant facilities to evaluate their production procedures and capabilities; identifies quality control measures and test material methods to improve uninterrupted flow, quality, and cost reduction of SMUD stock substation materials; assesses failed substation equipment/materials and recommends corrective actions; designs transmission and distribution substations.
- Performs a variety of duties to support the overall achievement and completion of department project; assists in planning, reviewing, and conducting work activities and researching required project information associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.
- Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary
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 three (3+) 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 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 manufacturing and safety; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to basic electrical and civil engineering design requirements utilized in the design of transmission and distribution substation and facilities; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to power system analysis; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to engineering economic analysis; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and 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, scheduling, and procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects and their budgets; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; procedures and practices for overseeing contractor’s/consultant’s work activities; 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
Assess and resolve problems by research and investigation, identifying relationships and interaction between elements, and creating and implementing detailed solutions including process changes; 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; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain 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; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects; 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; interpret, evaluate, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand, and assess 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; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
Desirable Qualifications
- Contract procurement and management skills
- Experience leading project teams
- Review of engineering submittals
- Design of electrical facilities for distribution and transmission substations
- Development of high voltage equipment specifications
Desirable Licenses/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.