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Title:  Senior Designer Drafter

Department:  Substation Engineering
Location: 

Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824

Category:  Engineering/Technical

Minimum Pay Rate: $42.53 per hour

Maximum Pay Rate: $51.84 per hour

Apply by Date: 01/07/2026 

Posting Type: Open 

 

The intent of this posting is to fill one regular full-time position and create an eligibility list that may be used to fill permanent and limited-term vacancies for the next 24 months. 

 

SMUD's Substation Engineering group is posting this opportunity for a Senior Designer Drafter along with a Drafting Technician II position. The department will be filling only one position at either level. If you are interested in also being considered for a Drafting Technician II, you will need to apply to that requisition separately. 

 

Purpose

To perform a wide range of drafting, design and graphic assignments to render detailed electrical, mechanical, civil, structural and architectural contract drawings; to maintain and improve the quality of new or existing drawings; to complete As-Built drawings to reflect field changes; and, to perform related work as required.

Nature and Scope

This series is typically assigned to Electric System Design Department, but is available in other Departments, when necessary. Positions are distinguished by the level, variety and complexity of assignments; degree of independent action, creative skill and decision making; degree of direction received and exercised; and in higher classes, level of lead/design person and field check responsibility. These positions typically report to a Supervisor or Engineer. They work under general supervision, but depending on assignment and classification level, may work fairly independently.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is the advanced journey or lead level in the series. Incumbent, who leads, will direct, guide and coordinate the work of drafting personnel. Under general guidance, incumbent may perform basic engineering design, which includes, engineering computations, planning and coordination of various work segments, and independent research i.e., technical literature, field reviews, contact outside agencies, etc. necessary to create detailed design drawings. This class is given the authority for independent actions based on experience, ability and aptitude.

  • This class differentiated from the Drafting Technician by the complexity level of tasks assigned, decision making authority, technical knowledge required, design capability and lead level responsibilities.
  • As a Designer/Drafter typically performs the following activities: mathematical calculations, including basic trigonometry and geometry; uses accepted formulas and manuals in basic engineering design; assists and/or independently develops design specifications; compiles information from prints, manuals engineering data, and specifications to support proposed design; and develops information for bills of material, tables and drawing lists.
  • Provides technical assistance and on the job training to less experienced drafting personnel.
  • Develops and maintains work schedules for assigned tasks consistent with project objectives.
  • Directs the completion of complex drawing packages that require considerable drafting skills to plan, organize and implement. May suggest and, with approval, implement minor design modifications.
  • Supports and assists in developing, writing and implementing programs, procedures and standards.Keeps abreast of industry drafting techniques, standards, practices and engineering procedures.
  • Assures that all necessary records, timekeeping and reporting for assigned tasks are maintained.
  • Performs computer operating system and file management duties; writes routines to enhance computer system operations.
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Education

  • High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

  • Typically, four (4+) or more  years of broad and extensive drafting/design experience in various engineering disciplines, plus courses in a drafting/design curriculum or equivalent.

Required Licenses/Certificates

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

Computer aided drafting CAD systems; indexing and tracking system for drawings, labor, equipment manuals and documents; basic mathematics; layouts and positional relationships for representing electrical, mechanical, civil, structural and architectural drawings for presentation as contract or working drawings; terminology and expressions used in drafting and engineering for generation, transmission, and distribution facilities; standardized drafting/engineering drawing techniques, principles, symbols and abbreviations; accepted formulas and common source material for determining design criteria, such as, ANSI and AISC standards.

Skills To

Maintain neat and accurate field notes, sketches, and records; and, write programs to enhance computer system operations; perform the critical and important duties of the class, such as working at a drafting work station for a sustained period of time; to work in the field, when required; and, be willing to work overtime as needed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Knowledge of Drafting techniques and terminology
  • Knowledge of DCN Process and using SAP
  • 3-5 years' experience using Microsoft Office products
  • Proficient in Excel including pivot table analyses, graphics and related software and databases
  • AutoCAD Certified User

Physical Requirements

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

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.  

 

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.

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:  2606

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