Senior Utility Engineer, Distribution Planning and Energy Storage

California Public Utilities Commission; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission seeks a Senior Utility Engineer in Distribution Planning and Energy Storage to lead distribution planning, DER integration, and grid modernization efforts. The role emphasizes data-driven policy development and collaboration with regulators and stakeholders to advance California's clean energy goals.

The position requires leadership in policy development, coordination with the CAISO/CEC, and oversight of contractors while working in a hybrid telework

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of utility distribution planning and DER integration.
• Develop policy-supporting tools and analyze regulatory, policy, and technical issues.
• Represent CPUC in CAISO or CEC stakeholder processes related to distribution planning.

Job description

Senior Utility Engineer, Distribution Planning and Energy Storage

$11,437.00 - $14,315.00

Effective July 1, 2025 CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR’s Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Public Advocates Office/ Distribution Planning Branch/ Grid Planning, Energy Storage and Non-Wires Alternatives Section :

Would you like to contribute to achieving the state’s ambitious and internationally recognized clean energy and environmental goals? The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is leading California’s efforts to achieve a 100 percent clean energy future by 2045. The Grid Planning Energy Storage, and Non-Wires Alternatives (GPSNWA) Section of the CPUC's Energy Division develops and oversees programs and policies to modernize the distribution electric grid to maximize the value of distributed energy resources while maintaining safe, reliable, and affordable electric service and meeting the state's ambitious climate and energy goals. The GPSNWA Section is in search of dynamic, creative team members to lead implementation of critical state policy development and research on distribution grid planning, distributed energy resource integration, grid modernization, electrification infrastructure planning, and grid service market development. The GPSNWA section values strong analytical skills and seek individuals that have experience and interest in data driven policy and applying electrical engineering skills to decarbonization problem solving. If energy or environmental sustainability is your passion, and you endeavor to contribute to California’s clean energy future, we encourage you to apply for our positions.

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

Job Description And Duties

Under general direction of the Project and Program Supervisor, the Senior Utilities Engineer (SUE) will support the Grid Planning, Energy Storage, and Non-Wires Alternatives (GPSNWA) section in the development of work products that are used to advise and assist high-level decision-makers such as Commissioners, Judges, and Energy Division management.

The incumbent will have lead and team level responsibility for oversight of utility distribution planning, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, electrification grid impact analysis, grid modernization, smart inverter operationalization, managing support contractors, and leading policy development for these areas. The incumbent may also be responsible for representing the Division in California Independent System Operator (CAISO) or California Energy Commission (CEC) stakeholder processes where distribution planning issues are relevant. The incumbent may also be responsible for leading and/or supporting investigation and research of alternative models of distribution system operator roles, responsibilities and functions that best enables swift evolution of grid capabilities and operations to integrate higher levels of DER to meet the State’s 100 percent clean energy goals.

The SUE will analyze data to determine if policy objectives have been met. The SUE will make recommendations based on independent analysis of regulatory, policy, and technical issues. The SUE will develop tools and solutions for the CPUC’s policy-setting rulemakings via a wide range of work products, review and provide feedback on proposed legislative bills, and/or work with a team that oversees implementation of programs that result from these CPUC and legislative processes. The SUE will perform other work as necessary, such as writing and presenting reports, coordinating with other California organizations and agencies (e.g., the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, California Independent System Operator), and responding to outside inquiries.

Special Requirements

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

Final Filing Date:

11/10/2026

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• 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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.