Chief Engineer

The California Department of Technology (CDT) leads the planning, construction, and operation of the State's Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI), a transformative effort to expand equitable internet access across California. This initiative involves close coordination with key partners including the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Third-Party Administrator (TPA).


Reporting to the Deputy Director of the MMBI, the Senior Telecommunications Engineer (STE) plays a pivotal role in shaping, delivering, and operating the statewide middle-mile network. This position combines high-level engineering expertise with statewide technical governance and engineering oversight to support the management, implementation, and operational integrity of a broadband infrastructure that will serve millions.


The STE will perform senior-level engineering review, planning and technical validation functions, and will work closely with Caltrans and other stakeholders performing project management, engineering, design, system planning, specification, diagramming, mapping, construction, and operations of the network. The STE will provide technical guidance to state and district level staff and will support planning for operations and maintenance of the network based on industry best practices. The STE will identify technical components and engineering services requiring procurement and will work with staff and contractors to provide the engineering input for contracts needed for network operations and maintenance, service delivery, infrastructure expansion, system-level engineering, detailed design, material supply, construction, quality assurance, maintenance, and upgrades. The STE will lead the technical oversight of these functions.


The STE will draw on experience in large-scale telecommunications engineering, including optical transport, routing, backbone architecture, and broadband network operations, applying this expertise to guide staff, contractors, and Operator personnel.


Telework is available.


Telework
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule within California based on departmental policy and operational needs. The telework policy is subject to change depending on business needs, and/or reporting to the work site may be required with minimal notification given. Pursuant to Executive Order, effective July 1, 2025, employees in this position will be required to report to the work site a minimum of two (2) days per week, increasing to four (4) days per week effective July 1, 2026. The specific on-site days will be determined by the department based on operational requirements.

Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


CA Residency:


Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

• May be required to work outside of normal business hours and is required to carry a mobile device.
• Must travel to meetings or customer department sites within the greater Sacramento area.
• May be assigned to work at the CDT headquarters site, within the greater Sacramento area.
• Must maintain excellent attendance to perform these functions.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522195


Position #(s):
695-952-3637-236

Working Title:
Chief Engineer


Classification:
SENIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER $11,437.00 - $14,315.00
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:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Work Shift:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm


Work Week:
Monday - Friday


Department Information The California Department of Technology (CDT) is the guardian of public data, a leader in information technology (IT) services and solutions and has broad responsibility and authority over all aspects of technology in California state government, including policy formation, interagency coordination, IT project oversight, information security, technology service delivery, and advocacy.

As an industry leader, we are committed to partnering with state and local government and educational entities to deliver digital services, develop innovative and responsive solutions for business needs, and provide quality assurance for state government IT projects and services. Our success and legacy of service is reliant upon our highly talented, dedicated, and diverse workforce, for it is our individual cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities that spark our collaborative strength and innovative approach to serving the State of California.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR .
Department Website:


Special Requirements Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed state application (STD. 678) - For exam use only.

Please do NOT include your Social Security Number on any of the submitted documents.

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below.
• The response must be numbered and include the full question/prompt before the response.
• The SOQ header must include the Job Code #, applicant name, and the title "Statement of Qualifications."
• The SOQ must not exceed two (2) pages in length.
• Responses must be single-spaced, use one-inch margins, and be formatted in 12-point Arial font.
• Failure to follow these instructions may result in disqualification from further consideration.

• Please describe your experience in managing a team of engineers, either employees or contractors, responsible for the development and operations of a broadband and/or telecommunications network.
• Please describe your approach and philosophy for executive-level communication and reporting. Include any examples you feel would assist us in understanding how you are able to effectively communicate complex technical issues requiring executive-level input or decisions.

The SOQ serves as a key component of the examination and hiring process and will be used to evaluate your qualifications, as well as your written communication skills. The SOQ is considered a writing sample and must clearly reflect your own knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. While tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT), internet resources, or third-party reviewers may assist with research or preparation, by submitting your application you certify that your SOQ is your original work, written in your own words, and accurately represents your background and qualifications. Failure to submit an SOQ that is your own work, including the use of AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted responses that misrepresent your abilities, may result in disqualification from the examination or hiring process. If such misrepresentation is discovered after appointment, it may constitute dishonesty and could result in adverse action, up to and including dismissal from State service.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/10/2026
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).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Technology
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources/HR N. Robinson - RPA 25-236/JC-522195
Selection Services Unit
P.O. Box 1810
Rancho Cordova , CA 95741


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Technology
Drop Off 2nd Floor Security
Human Resources
10860 Gold Center Drive


Rancho Cordova , CA 95670
Drop Off at 2nd Floor Security - Attn: N. Robinson - RPA 25-236/JC-522195
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 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 - Required. Please see "Special Requirements" section for further information.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Baccalaureate degree in Electrical Engineering and substantial working experience leading telecommunications and broadband construction projects of similar scale.
• Professional engineering license in the State of California.
• Thorough knowledge of technology and standard industry practices of telecommunications businesses using fiber optic technologies in middle mile and last mile environments.
• Thorough knowledge of layout, locations, and equipment characteristics of fiber communications systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of network engineering.
• Thorough knowledge of fiber optic construction, facility design, and transmission electronics.
• Experience in large scale project management.
• Experience in state government processes, including procurement and permitting.
• Ability to perform cost estimates and forecast project timelines.
• Ability to analyze and project growth and need for additional capacity of the system.
• Ability to form and maintain effective working relationships with other State staff, customers, elected officials, external and contracted entities, as well as the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally or in writing.
• Ability to perform accurate computations and projections under stressful or hurried conditions.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Hiring Unit Contact:
Erica Basinger
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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:
Melissa Carlin
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Application Instructions
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State Application (STD. 678) revised 10/2023. The position number and job control number must be identified in the job title line of the STD 678 (these numbers will auto-populate in the job title of the STD 678 if submitting an electronic application through CalCareers Account). The hard copy application MUST be signed. Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.

Note: Applications MUST include the "From dates" and "To" dates, "Hours Per Week", and "Duties Performed" fields for all job listed in the "Employment History" fields, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles). Applications that are submitted blank will be considered incomplete. Reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties will not be accepted. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. For all other questions regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io.



The Fine Print


Training and Development Assignment may be considered. Additional positions may be filled from this recruitment.


If you have questions about the State Hiring Process visit our Career Opportunities webpage at


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.