Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Transmission Planning & Operations

Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899

Engineering/Technical

Minimum Pay Rate: $167,960.00

Maximum Pay Rate: $222,435.20

Civil Service Status: Civil Service

Apply by Date: 10/02/2026

In support of our safe and reliable operation and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged and experienced Principal Electrical Engineer for providing engineering support and compliance oversight to the Balancing Authority (BA) and Transmission Operator (TOP) operations. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning & Reliability Services, this position has the responsibilities of providing technical expertise and operational support to new generation and transmission projects, from the development of Interconnection Agreements to the testing and commissioning of the projects, overseeing operations compliance with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria, performing summer assessment and Western Power Pool (WPP) data analysis, as well as providing mentoring and coaching to lower level engineers, for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the Bulk Electric System for SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC).

Purpose

Provides technical, functional and/or consultative electrical engineering expertise and direction to core responsibilities, including major and the most complex problem resolution/project oversight assignments, by applying professional engineering standards in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

Nature and Scope

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:

Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:

• Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.

Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:

• Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.

Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully "progress" to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facilities Engineering and Projects

• Leadership in Electrical Design and Construction: Lead the electrical engineering design and implementation efforts for facility life cycle replacements, upgrades and modifications, ensuring that designs meet all technical, regulatory, and project objectives. Oversee the development, assessment, troubleshooting, and implementation of electrical systems across various building types, including critical and non-critical such as Data Centers, Power & Control Centers, Central Plant facilities and general office buildings.
• Contract and Procurement Management: Manage the entire contract lifecycle, including the preparation of RFPs, evaluation of bid submissions for technical and cost adequacy, and participation in contract award decisions. Oversee contract administration, ensuring project completion in accordance with contract terms, SMUD policies, quality/cost standards, and governmental regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Understand, read, assess, interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local codes/regulations. Drive the preparation of detailed evaluation, studies, and documentation of facilities systems to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements or to establish requirements for plant modifications.
• Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Coordination: Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, security, and external consultants/contractors, to ensure integrated project delivery and seamless operation of mission-critical facilities.
• Project Planning, Coordination, and Oversight: Plan, coordinate, prioritize, monitor, and guide work activities for internal and external projects, ensuring that tasks are completed effectively and contribute to the successful completion of department projects in alignment with established objectives and schedules.
• Standards Development and System Management: Develop and maintain electrical operations and maintenance procedures, methods of procedures (MOPs), and sequence of operations (SOOs) for crafts and trades personnel. Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of building electrical systems, ensuring optimal operation, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
• Technical Analysis and System Optimization: Conduct and interpret short circuit, coordination studies, perform electrical system analysis, and manage arc flash analysis and labeling. Utilize software tools such as SKM, ETAP, CAD, and Microsoft Office for system analysis, design, and documentation, ensuring the operational efficiency and safety of critical facilities.
• Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Reliability and Compliance

• Understand, interpret and apply the NERC Reliability Standards governing the operations, maintenance, and planning of the bulk electric system.
• Monitor and review compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, particularly in Operations and Planning (O&P) areas. Review root cause analysis, extent of condition investigations, and technical documentation as required, and prepare an independent assessment of compliance with a standard.
• Lead technical efforts to prepare for NERC O&P reliability audits. Ensure accuracy and completeness of NERC RSAWs (Reliability Standards Audit Worksheets). Manage and review documentation that will be used to demonstrate compliance.
• Organize and lead workshops to educate subject matter experts (SMEs) on NERC Standards applications and revisions. Ensure there is a lead knowledgeable on their compliance requirements and internal controls for each NERC requirement.
• Collaborate with the SMEs in the Operations, Generation, Transmission, Substation, and other disciplines responsible for maintaining NERC compliance. Provide expert technical guidance regarding the interpretation or application of the requirements and standards as needed.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree majoring in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least seven (7+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of electrical systems deployed by SMUD.

Knowledge Of

Safety policies, practices and procedures; theory, fundamentals and practices of motors, lighting, linear circuits, transient analysis, amplifiers, control logic, economics, and environmental qualifications; federal, state and local codes and regulations governing power plant and/or various building types, including critical and non-critical such as Data Centers, Power & Control Centers, Central Plant facilities, and general office buildings engineering, operations and safety; operating and construction maintenance procedures; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; fundamentals and practices for contract management; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Provide designs for all relevant safety and environmental qualifications and electrical and control systems and components of power plants and/or various building types, including critical and non-critical such as Data Centers, Power & Control Centers, Central Plant facilities and general office buildings; plan, oversee and review the work of others; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects; monitor and manage projects and assigned project personnel and groups; assess procedures/systems and develop/implement operational improvements; interpret, evaluate and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand and assess verbal/written information and ideas; prepare a business case to weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• NERC Registered RC Operator
• Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California
• Three or more years of experience with BA and TOP operations
• Strong data analysis ability with Excel or other tools

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work

This position will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD's business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.