Power Generation Electrical Engineer, Senior (Open Until Filled)

Sacramento Municipal Utility District; California; On-site; USD 156,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

SMUD's Power Generation hydro maintenance engineering group seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to support ongoing maintenance and upgrades of the hydropower system. The role combines engineering design, project management, field coordination with skilled craft workers, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe, reliable plant operation.

The Senior will mentor junior staff, lead complex projects, and work from the Fresh Pond maintenance facility near Pollock Pines, CA.

Qualifications

• Requires senior-level technical expertise in electrical engineering for power generation facilities.
• Must manage complex electrical designs and coordinate projects with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and reliability goals.

Responsibilities

• Drive design, maintenance and upgrades of hydroelectric electrical systems and power generation assets.
• Assume full project management responsibilities including planning, budgeting, scheduling and coordination.
• Develop engineering specifications and oversee procurement activities for project execution.
• Mentor and train engineers, technicians and craft staff on electrical systems and safety practices.
• Support regulatory compliance actions and documentation related to hydroelectric facilities.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Field supervision

Electrical engineering

Job description

Title: Power Generation Electrical Engineer, Senior (Open Until Filled)

Department: Power Generation

Category: Engineering/Technical

Pollock Pines, CA, US, 95726-1500

Minimum Pay Rate:$156,000.00

Maximum Pay Rate:$206,606.40

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 a tradition of providing reliable and affordable electricity for over 75 years. As part of our diverse energy portfolio, hydroelectric power plays a vital role.

SMUD's Power Generation hydro maintenance engineering group is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer interested in supporting the ongoing maintenance of, and upgrades to, the hydropower system. The ideal candidate is a good communicator, is comfortable managing projects in the field and likes to be hands on in support of skilled craft workers on construction projects.

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.

If you have experience in power generation, project management, and regulatory compliance, and enjoy working in an outdoor environment, this position offers a meaningful opportunity to impact SMUD's energy future.

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

Provides senior-level technical expertise to manage and execute complex electrical engineering designs and project coordination for new construction and modifications of SMUD's power generation facilities. These facilities include hydroelectric powerhouses, thermal plants, gas pipelines, utility-scale photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and wind energy projects. Applies professional engineering fundamentals to ensure all work complies with regulatory requirements and restrictions while maintaining efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

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 capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead 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

Power Generation - All Assets

• Drive electrical engineering projects to develop and integrate new designs and enhancements for power generation assets, maximizing energy efficiency, ensuring operational effectiveness, and adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Assume full project management responsibilities, including project planning, team assembly, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and tracking scope, budget and timeline. Develop project controls and manage resources efficiently.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, ensuring clarity and adherence to industry standards.
• Develop and implement testing plans and procedures to evaluate performance and efficiency of electrical systems; oversee installation and testing to ensure contractor compliance with design specifications and safety standards.
• Conduct problem diagnosis and resolution for assets, applying expertise to implement effective solutions. Establish technical guidance and standards for the maintenance of electrical equipment, providing training and technical documentation to electrical staff.
• Drive development of engineering specifications and bid package for own procurement efforts; oversee procurement activities of entry- and journey-level engineers. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Legal, and department managers to secure essential equipment and services for project execution.
• Act as a liaison with external governmental, regulatory, and private agencies; interpret regulations and facilitate compliance efforts while representing SMUD in public hearings and meetings.
• Maintain expertise in industry best practices by attending seminars and engaging in professional organizations to stay current with technological advancements.
• Identify and resolve complex electrical issues, conduct data interpretation, and provide recommendations for equipment improvements and operational needs.
• Assist in administering the department budget by participating in planning, monitoring and revising project schedules, work plans, and expenditures.
• Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.

Duties and Responsibilities - Hydroelectric Generation

• Drive the design, maintenance and rehabilitation of hydroelectric powerhouses' electrical infrastructure, focusing on main generator circuits, excitation power equipment, high/medium/low voltage power distribution, switchyard/substation equipment, to ensure operational safety, system reliability, and plant availability.
• Develop and review electrical one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics and controls, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, equipment layouts, and installation details for generators, transformers, bus work, switchgear, grounding systems, arc flash studies, and protection systems for hydroelectric facilities, ensuring all documentation and designs support safety standards and reliable long-term operation.
• Specify, coordinate and oversee testing, troubleshooting and commissioning activities for large hydro generators, power transformers, high-voltage bus/switchgear, and protection relays, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and maximizing system reliability and availability.
• Develop and update standards and procedures for hydroelectric electrical system maintenance, reliability assessments, and capital projects, with an emphasis on electrical safety, protective relaying, and power system performance to reduce risk and maintain consistent plant operation.
• Drive electrical aspects of FERC and NERC hydroelectric regulatory compliance actions, including documentation and reporting for power system assets and event reviews related to electrical equipment, supporting a culture of compliance, safety and reliability.
• Serve as a technical resource for electrical failures, troubleshooting electrical faults, and root cause analysis related to generator, transformer or switchgear performance, ensuring prompt mitigation of safety hazards and restoration of stable operation.
• Mentor and provide technical training on hydroelectric electrical system topics to engineers, technicians and craft staff, with a focus on safe work practices, reliable system operation, and maintaining plant integrity.
• Participate in hydro modernization projects by supporting selection and integration of protective relays, auxiliary power systems, and advanced electrical monitoring devices to improve asset reliability, operational safety, and plant availability.
• Support environmental and dam safety efforts as they relate to the integrity and reliability of electrical supply and emergency power for spillway actuation and critical station systems, ensuring compliance with all safety standards and regulatory requirements.