Title: Senior Substation Engineer
Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824
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:
- 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
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
- Ensures that electrical transmission and distribution facilities are adequately designed to meet SMUD customer requirements on a reliable basis; contributes to the development, maintenance, and reliability of SMUD power transmission and distribution facilities by managing and performing the design and construction of complex standard and non-standard projects that include the design and modification of transmission and distribution substations, the development of transmission and distribution substation design and construction standards, and the development of plans that define the scope, budget, schedule, and resources for assigned projects.
- Ensures the selection and performance of contractors in accordance with project needs, requirements, and contract agreements; prepares and/or includes bid proposals, specifications, and related contract documents; evaluates and participates in the selection of contractors; negotiates with selected contractors; manages contractors on assigned projects including to monitor and direct contractor activities in accordance with contract documents.
- Performs a variety of duties to maintain and improve the functioning of the transmission and distribution systems; responds to equipment failures in the transmission and distribution systems by evaluating failures, preparing reports, recommending courses of action, and, where complex repairs are required, directing and overseeing the repair and/or installation of equipment.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensures that materials and equipment utilized in SMUD power distribution and transmission facilities meet established specification and quality requirements to facilitate proper functioning and achieve life cycle requirements; develops and maintains materials, equipment, and construction standards specifications and quality control by evaluating new materials, developing design and construction standards, writing equipment specifications, coordinating trial equipment installations, evaluating technical bids of equipment for application on SMUD’s distribution and transmission systems, conducting source inspections of manufacturing facilities for pre-qualification and during project production on SMUD orders, performing receiving inspection on critical items, and providing technical expertise and guidance to the test laboratory engaged in the examination and acceptance testing of received materials, the examination and failure assessment on failed materials, and instrument repair and calibration in support of other work groups.
- Maintains a current knowledge of industry practices, standards, and procedures of electrical power transmission and distribution design, construction, materials, and equipment through contact with industry peers, professional journals, membership in professional associations, contact with materials and equipment suppliers, and evaluation of new products.
- Informs SMUD executive management, Board of Directors, and Board committees of project status through informational presentations and periodic written and oral reports.
- Provides guidance and participates in assigned tasks of a work unit in order to meet defined unit goals and schedules and comply with SMUD schedule, quality, quantity, safety and performance standards; plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, and guides work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; communicates with team members and incorporates their input to processes and techniques; provides staff training; promotes staff safety and a safe work environment; assists in selecting and orienting new personnel; assists in evaluating work performance results; participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervisory staff when solutions are not readily achievable.
- Assists in administering the department budget; participates in planning, monitoring, and revising schedules, work plans, expenditures, and assignments to support the achievement of unit objectives in a fiscally responsible manner.
- 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 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
- 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 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.