UTILITIES ENGINEER

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Telework eligibility

Job summary

The Utilities Engineer role with the State of California's CPUC focuses on overseeing electric and communication facilities with an emphasis on generation facilities to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. It requires travel and a hybrid work arrangement, including telework options where eligible.

The position is permanent, full-time, reporting to the Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) ESRB/Generation Energy Storage Section - South.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electric generation and energy storage systems and their maintenance, operations, safety and reliability.
• Experience with electric grid knowledge including generation, transmission, substation, distribution.
• Field inspection experience of generation and transmission facilities.
• Experience testifying in Commission proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee electric and communication facilities with emphasis on generation facilities.
• Ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with General Orders.
• Assist with investigations and inspections of facilities and incidents.

Skills

Electric generation knowledge

Energy storage systems

Field inspections

Data analysis

Public commission testimony

Job description

$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 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: 10/15/2026

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 the supervision of a Program and Project Supervisor, the Utilities Engineer performs duties related to the Commission’s oversight of electric and communication facilities with an emphasis on generation facilities. This oversight includes, but is not limited to, the requirements in Commission General Orders 95, 128, 165, 166, 167 (Specifically the provisions in 167-B) and 174.

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

Working Conditions

This position requires travel.

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

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• UTILITIES ENGINEER

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.

# of Positions:

2

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Safety andEnforcement Division (SED)ESRB/ Generation Energy Storage Section - South

• 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. 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.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience in electric generation and energy storage systems and their maintenance, operations, and related safety and reliability issues.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies related to electric generation and energy storage such as renewable energy.
• Understanding of the California electric grid, including generation, transmission, substation, and distribution systems.
• Experience performing in-the-field inspections and investigations of electric generation, distribution, and transmission facilities, communication facilities, and incidents involving such facilities.
• Experience testifying in Commission proceedings.
• Technical engineering experience and knowledge in the field of utility safety and reliability, specifically in the area of electric generation and energy storage technology.
• Experience conducting technical investigations of issues involving utility systems and practices.
• Experience in analyzing data, including using quantitative tools, e.g. spreadsheets, for data analysis.
• Experience interpreting and applying State safety regulations.
• College courses or experience in natural gas, electric and/or communication systems.
• Knowledge in the field of utility safety and reliability, specifically in various aspects of the electric generation and energy storage system industry.

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.