SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST)

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Public Utilities Commission is seeking a Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist) to research, develop, and propose risk assessment tools for railroad safety. The role requires evaluating risk management plans and monitoring remedial activities across railroads.

The position is hybrid, with travel required and a minimum qualification in railroad safety expertise. Final filing date is October 12, 2026, with multiple California locations to apply from.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience working on railroad safety.
• Knowledge and experience in leading projects and/or other staff in specialized investigations and programs.
• Experience preparing technical reports and correspondence and presenting engineering or safety findings to management, public agencies, or industry groups.

Responsibilities

• Under general direction, research, develop, and propose risk assessment management tools to evaluate railroads’ risk profiles and remedial plans.
• Evaluate railroad risk assessment and risk management plans based on adopted methodology.
• Monitor railroads’ implementation of remedial activities.

Job description

Job Posting:Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)

Public Utilities Commission

JC-534263 - Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)

$11,437.00 - $14,315.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/12/2026

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility.

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.

Under general direction, incumbent will research, develop, and propose risk assessment management tools to evaluate railroads’ risk profiles, remedial plans, and related activities. Incumbent will evaluate railroad risk assessment and risk management plans based on adopted methodology and compare and analyze the railroads’ methodologies and practices for conducting risk-assessments and proposed remedial efforts, as well as monitor the railroads’ implementation of any remedial activities.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position requires travel.

This advertisement is listed specifically for Los Angeleslocation. All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.

Sacramento location, please apply to JC# 534262

San Francisco location, please apply to JC# 534261

Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.

This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

Minimum Requirements

• SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST)

1

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of the Rail Safety Division (RSD) is to diligently strive to inspire safe and reliable rail transportation in California by promoting and enforcing railroad, rail crossing and rail transit safety; and by improving or establishing a positive rail safety culture therein, through our inspection and enforcement efforts and our resolve to look beyond the regulations. RSD strives to enforce state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating proactively and effectively to transportation of persons or commodities by rail. RSD is comprised of the Railroad Operations Safety Branch (ROSB), Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch (RCEB), and Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB).

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Prepare and submit a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org

Employment information on the STD 678 State Application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience working on railroad safety
• Knowledge and experience in leading projects and/or other staff in specialized investigations and programs.
• Experience preparing technical reports and correspondence and presenting engineering or safety findings to management, public agencies, or industry groups.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.