SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST)

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

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco seeks a Senior Utilities Engineer, Specialist to oversee rail transit safety design, construction and operation. You will perform advanced engineering analyses, conduct specialized investigations, and present expert testimony in Commission proceedings.

This hybrid, two-day-a-week in-office role requires travel and collaboration with federal regulators, industry groups and state agencies.

Qualifications

• Experience handling complex engineering tasks requiring high level of technical analysis.
• Experience leading technical investigations, engineering research or special projects.
• Experience in infrastructure project or construction management.
• Experience in safety oversight and working with codes/regulations.
• Knowledge of CPUC General Orders and federal regulations related to rail transit.

Responsibilities

• Provide safety oversight for design, construction, and operation of rail transit systems.
• Lead or participate in technical investigations, research and data analysis.
• Provide expert testimony and represent the Commission in proceedings and meetings.
• Inspect construction work to verify conformance with safety requirements.
• Review safety plans, system security plans, and accident investigation plans.

Skills

Complex engineering

Technical investigations

Project management

Safety oversight

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Professional License

Job description

Job Posting:Senior Utilities Engineer, Specialist

Public Utilities Commission

JC-531969 - 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: 9/29/2026

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 of a Program and Project Supervisor, the incumbent carries out the Commission’s safety oversight responsibilities for the design, construction, and operation of rail transit agencies (systems).

Performs the more difficult and complex engineering tasks of the Branch requiring a higher level of analytical and technical analysis.

Conducts specialized investigations, such as rail transit safety and security studies, accident investigations, rule-makings, general order and procedures revisions, focused technical investigations, evaluations of new or non-standard equipment or methodologies, and general order variance requests.

May be assigned a lead role in routine Branch activities including the Review of public transportation safety plans, system security plans, accident investigation plans, operating rules and other safety/security related documents. Inspect transit system performance to ensure safety and security plans are being followed.

Inspect in-process and completed rail transit system construction work to verify conformance with safety related design requirements.

Perform independent engineering studies and/or evaluate engineering research of others relating to rail transit safety.

Provide technical advice in Commission proceedings, including testimony as an expert witness. Represent the Commission at technical conferences, public meetings, meetings with government agencies, including the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and the California Legislature, and with other industry groups.

Other job-related duties as required.

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

Working Conditions

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

San Franciscolocation, please apply to JC# 531970

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)

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

San Francisco

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Rail Safety Division/RTSB/RTESS

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.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Professional License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Required Application Package Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Narrative is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in handling complex engineering tasks requiring high level of technical analysis
• Experience in leading a technical investigation, engineering research, data analysis, or special projects
• Experience in infrastructure project or construction management
• Experience in safety oversight; governmental proceedings; working with codes and standards compliance
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with CPUC General Orders, Federal Transit Administration regulations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and/or industry standards applicable to rail transit or railroads.

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.