Electrical Engineer, Journey (Open until filled)

Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

SMUD is seeking a Journey level Electrical Engineer to support EV infrastructure deployment and DER integration. This role focuses on engineering analysis, site assessments, and interconnection documentation to ensure reliable power delivery and grid compatibility.

Join SMUD's Distributed Energy Services team to advance grid modernization, EV charging, and clean energy projects while collaborating with operations, planning, and customer programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering required.
• At least 3+ years of progressively responsible relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess and model impacts of EV infrastructure and DERs on SMUD's grid.
• Forecast EV adoption, charging load shapes, and DER capacity growth.
• Provide technical analysis, site assessments, and interconnection documentation for EV deployment.
• Evaluate interconnection applications and perform system impact studies.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, procedures, and system models.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Relay coordination

Engineering reports

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Title: Electrical Engineer, Journey (Open until filled)

Department: Commercial Implementation Program

Location: Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899

Category: Engineering/Technical

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 entry and journey levels; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.

Open until filled - Candidates are encouraged to apply early as this posting may close at any time without notice on or after October 12, 2026

SMUD is the nation's sixth largest community owned, not for profit electric service provider, delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while leading the transition to a cleaner energy future for the Sacramento region. As SMUD advances its goals around grid modernization, transportation electrification, distributed energy resource adoption, and a resilient carbon‑neutral power system, this role is essential to ensuring new technologies are integrated in ways that uphold power quality, system protection, and overall grid reliability.

Join SMUD's Distributed Energy Services team as a Journey Level Electrical Engineer, where you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient integration of Distributed Energy Resources across our distribution system. In this role, you will independently perform engineering analysis and deliver project work focused primarily on EV infrastructure deployment. Future projects may also include supporting other DER technologies such as solar, battery storage, microgrids, and bidirectional EV charging.

This position plays a vital part in advancing SMUD's commitment to a carbon‑neutral energy future by driving innovative, customer focused EV charging infrastructure solutions. Success in this role requires strong cross functional collaboration with teams such as operations, planning, and customer programs, as well as the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders. Your work will directly support SMUD's broader goals of building a stable, modernized, and sustainable energy system.

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 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 serve 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

• Distribution System Impact Assessment & Modeling: Independently assess and model impacts of EV infrastructure, distributed solar, battery storage, V2G/V2B, flexible load programs, and other Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on SMUD's grid, including feeder and substation modeling, time-series simulations, power flow and voltage analysis, transformer loading reviews, thermal evaluations, and hosting capacity studies. Identify system constraints from fast charging, fleet electrification, or high DER penetration; recommend mitigation strategies or upgrade paths
• Forecasting & System Planning: Forecast EV adoption rates, fast charging load shapes, DER capacity growth, and load flexibility to anticipate and plan for future system needs
• Engineering Support for EV Infrastructure Deployment: Provide technical analysis, site assessments, conceptual design, equipment sizing, and service upgrade recommendations for EV charging deployment in residential, commercial, fleet, transit, municipal, and public charging segments. Prepare and submit technical documentation for utility interconnection and commissioning, including drawings, specifications, protection settings, and commissioning procedures
• DER Integration & Interconnection Engineering: Evaluate and process interconnection applications for DER systems (solar PV, storage, microgrids, bidirectional EV charging), performing system impact studies, fault analysis, and equipment rating reviews. Develop service requirements, technical criteria, and review documentation; assess impacts on protection schemes, voltage regulation, power quality, and reliability
• Load Flexibility & Grid-Interactive Load Optimization: Analyze and implement managed charging, demand response, and flexible load programs across all customer segments. Evaluate effectiveness for peak demand reduction, grid constraint mitigation, and system reliability. Integrate EV/DER controls with utility operational platforms (DERMS, DRMS) and analyze event performance and flexibility results
• Technical Standards, Specifications & Procedures: Develop and maintain engineering standards, design guidelines, and procedures for TE/DER integration. Prepare technical requirements for service upgrades, interconnections, protection coordination, metering, and charging infrastructure; develop documents such as Method of Procedures (MOPs), sequencing plans, safety procedures, energization plans, and commissioning checklists, ensuring compliance with industry and electrical codes
• Project Engineering & Utility Coordination: Provide technical support throughout TE & DER project lifecycles, including feasibility evaluations, design reviews, construction support, and field verification. Coordinate with distribution planning, operations, engineering, construction, customer programs, and contractors. Review proposals, submittals and drawings; support field investigations, system energization, testing, and commissioning activities
• System Performance, Safety & Reliability Analysis: Conduct safety and reliability assessments for EV charging and DER system installations. Evaluate equipment ratings, system configurations, and recommend improvements for impacts on feeders, circuits, and substations. Coordinate with operations and maintenance for system support
• Documentation, Modeling & Technical Tools: Develop and maintain technical reports, engineering studies, as-built documentation, project specifications, and system models to support TE and DER planning. Keep distribution, interconnection, and EV load data current for accurate analysis and operations
• Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in electrical engineering 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 various electric utility assets.

Knowledge Of

• Electrical theory and electrical engineering design fundamentals; fundamentals and practices involving the design, installation, operation, repair, and economic evaluation of electrical features of various electrical utility assets; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skills To

• Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; perform routine and standard relay coordination studies; prepare technical specifications; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; operate office equipment including a 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

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical audiences such as commercial and residential customers, project partners, and cross functional teams.
• Advanced knowledge of EV charging infrastructure and systems, state and local building codes, and technical requirements for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) like EVs, solar, and battery storage
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex EV and DER infrastructure projects, including site assessments, preparation of engineering documents and construction drawings, and system commissioning
• Familiarity with utility operations, construction practices, and cross department coordination (including planning, field crews, and customer programs), with a strong track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting utility standards and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the development of engineering guidelines, procedures, and technical specifications through collaborative review and alignment.

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 will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. 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 remote 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

3079