Associate Distribution Operations Engineer Journey

Minimum Pay Rate: $131,248.00

Maximum Pay Rate: $173,888.00

Civil Service Status: Civil Service

Apply by Date: 09/21/2026

Posting Type: Open

The intent of this job posting is to fill one full-time position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years.

The successful candidate will provide real-time engineering support for the operation of the distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), and Outage Management System (OMS).

Purpose

Provides real-time engineering support for the operation of SMUD’s distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS).

Nature and Scope

This is the journey level (J) within the Distribution Operations Engineer classification series. Positions within this classification will demonstrate an ability to work on one's own with minimal oversight performing difficult and more complex work than the entry level (E). The journey level is distinguished from the senior level in that the latter requires a higher level of complexity, difficulty and level of tasks assigned, broader authority to make decisions, and advanced technical knowledge. Advancement to the senior level is done through a formal hiring process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilizes distribution system modeling and analysis tools to determine optimum system configuration to maximize substation and circuit utilization. Performs N-1 studies by analyzing system deficiencies, evaluating technical and non-technical impacts, performing power flow analysis and fault studies to assess system performance under normal and abnormal conditions and proposing alternative solutions. Obtains and analyzes system performance data to improve reliability, reduce losses and optimize the grid.
• Provides engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (including on-call).
• Performs detailed assessment of power quality data and recommends solutions to improve customer experience and resolve power quality related problems.
• Reviews proposals for customer generation interconnection and evaluates operational impacts to the distribution system. Evaluates system impacts from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as customer sited PV, energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand response under various deployment scenarios.
• Provides engineering and technical support, troubleshoots, tests, and maintains ADMS and DERMS and advanced applications such as Fault Locations Isolation and Service Restoration, Volt VAr Optimization (VVO), Distribution Power Flow (DPF) and State Estimation (SE), Feeder Reconfiguration, Operator Training Simulator (OTS), and Switch Order Management (SOM). Provides real-time support for database administration, power and network changes and outages, and system performance issues for ADMS and DERMS. Develops functional and technical requirements of DERs for grid management and optimization.
• Configures and maintains real-time communication datalinks to Energy Management System (EMS) as well as develops and maintains imaging of Remote Terminal Units (RTUS). Supports lab testing, commissioning of new substations and monitoring, maintaining and troubleshooting issues, and day-to-day communication with Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (D-SCADA) and Distribution Automation devices. Tracks existing tickets, issues new tickets, and follows through on SLAs, to ensure full availability of D-SCADA. Orders new equipment and work with vendors for warranty support. Supports commissioning of substations and develops one-line diagrams in ADMS/D-SCADA.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Education

• A Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree or closely related discipline from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in planning and/or operations of electric distribution systems; assisting staff in support of real-time systems and operations.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) in the state of California.

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

Concepts and fundamentals relating to the planning and operation of the electric utility distribution system; circuit evaluation; short circuit calculations; load flow; grounding; protective relaying and its application to distribution systems; electrical power planning, theory and practice including steady state and transient circuit assessment, electrical equipment design and application ; electric system evaluation and forecasting methodologies; data analysis and forecasting methodologies; computer aided modeling and evaluation; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices for cost benefit assessment; scientific methods and approaches to problem solving; fundamentals and practices of economic evaluation of projects and programs; fundamentals of statistics; fundamentals of complex mathematics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; federal, state, and local laws governing power distribution; techniques relating to customer relations; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Solve complex mathematical problems; evaluate complex issues and develop alternative resolutions; conduct effective meetings; manage several assignments simultaneously with changing priorities; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely one-on-one or to groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; respond to and resolve customer issues, concerns, and needs; utilize state-of-the-art computer-aided modeling and analysis tools in system analysis and forecasting; perform complex distribution engineering evaluation and forecasting; anticipate problems and apply innovative and creative techniques to resolve them; perform economic evaluations; compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop preliminary cost estimates for project proposals; set work priorities; work independently; prepare conceptual designs and cost estimates for major complex installations and reconstruction jobs; 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

• Experience with Data Analytics, SQL, and Python.
• Experience with distribution system modeling and system study tools (e.g., CYME, OpenDSS, Synergi).

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