Power Generation Electrical Engineer, Journey (Open Until Filled)

SMUD•Pollock Pines, CA

27d•$131,248 - $173,888•Onsite

About The Position

SMUD, a community-owned, not-for-profit utility serving over 1.5 million customers in Sacramento, has provided reliable and affordable electricity for over 75 years. Hydroelectric power is an important part of our diverse energy portfolio. We are seeking a journey-level Power Generation Electrical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and ongoing improvement of electrical systems at the Fresh Pond Maintenance Facility near Pollock Pines, California, about an hour east of Sacramento. This site supports the Upper American River Project with multiple powerhouses, reservoirs, dams, and infrastructure. This position reports to our Fresh Pond maintenance facility near Pollock Pines, California. The facility is responsible for the maintenance and construction activities necessary to service 19 dams, nine powerhouses, reservoirs, interconnecting tunnels, penstocks, and support structures. The role involves managing a diverse range of projects related to SMUD's assets. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of engineering including project management, sizing and selection of key electrical equipment, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with electrical standards. Candidates with some experience in power generation, equipment maintenance, and regulatory standards, who enjoy working outdoors and as part of a team, will find this position to be a rewarding opportunity to contribute to SMUD’s ongoing energy mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree majoring in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.
At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of electrical systems for an electric utility asset.
Engineer In Training (EIT) test. In lieu of having passed the EIT, incumbent will be expected to pass the test prior to completion of the first year of employment as a condition of probation.
Advanced electrical engineering fundamentals, including the design, operation and maintenance of power generation, transmission and distribution systems.
Design, installation, testing, and troubleshooting of power system components such as generators, transformers, switchyards, substations, and protection relays.
Power system operation, control strategies, and integration of automation systems used in power plants and grid interfaces.
Regulations, standards and codes governing electrical systems, including federal, state and local requirements relevant to utilities.
Project management practices, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.
Budget development, cost estimation, and financial management for engineering projects.
Standard office procedures and software, including engineering design tools, SCADA systems, GIS platforms, and document management systems.
Effective technical communication, including report writing, technical presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
Conduct detailed electrical analysis, modeling and design using specialized engineering software and tools.
Utilize CAD, GIS, SCADA, relay coordination, and protection analysis programs efficiently.
Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and testing data to support system assessments and improvements.
Develop and review technical specifications, engineering drawings, and control system schematics.
Evaluate vendor proposals, bid submissions, and equipment specifications to ensure compliance and quality.
Prepare accurate estimates of project scope, schedule, costs, and resource needs.
Lead, coordinate, and review work performed by junior engineers, technicians, and contractors.
Understand and apply regulatory standards and environmental, safety and operational protocols.
Communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences, including internal teams, vendors, and regulators.
Manage project budgets, schedules and reporting, ensuring milestones are met within scope.
Build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally to support project success.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the design and maintenance of power generation electrical systems – including excitation, transformers, transmission, automation, and protection
Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE)
Experience managing capital and maintenance projects from start to finish
Experience working in the field with skilled trades.
Familiarity with regulations that apply to our generation assets (FERC, NERC, electrical codes) and a track record of keeping projects compliant
Strong communication skills, orally and in written reports

Responsibilities

Conduct engineering design for electrical systems supporting modifications that enhance the reliability and efficiency of power generation assets, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safety standards, and budget constraints.
Develop detailed project documentation, including Design Change Notices (DCN) packages, and produce accurate as-built drawings based on field data; manage the revision and approval process within the Generation Design document control system.
Lead the preparation of bid packages for equipment and service procurement; collaborate with supply chain team, evaluate vendor bids, and oversee contractor activities throughout project execution to ensure quality, support, and cost control.
Create detailed electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, and construction documents using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software; support GIS mapping activities specific to SMUD’s assets for asset management and planning purposes.
Engage in project management tasks, such as planning and coordinating power generation projects; develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resources; serve as the main point of contact from initiation through completion.
Identify, proactively, potential project risks or issues, coordinate with external agencies, field crews, and contractors, and facilitate smooth project transitions from design to operational phases.
Assess project alternatives through technical evaluations and cost/benefit analyses to ensure optimal engineering solutions are implemented.
Conduct field investigations and inspections to verify design compliance, update as-built records, and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
Represent SMUD at technical and stakeholder meetings, effectively communicating project needs, technical challenges, and progress.
Serve as the primary contact for low-complexity projects, coordinating communication with internal teams, external agencies, and contractors to meet project schedules and deliverables.
Perform additional engineering tasks as needed to support project objectives, regulatory compliance, and organizational goals.
Perform engineering design and technical analysis for electrical systems supporting hydroelectric generation facilities, including generator circuits, excitation systems, high/medium/low voltage distribution systems, switchyard/substation equipment, and related plant electrical infrastructure.
Develop and review electrical drawings and technical documents, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, equipment layouts, grounding details, and installation drawings for hydroelectric facilities.
Support maintenance, rehabilitation, and capital improvement projects by preparing designs, specifications, cost estimates, and technical recommendations that improve reliability, safety, and plant availability.
Participate in testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and inspection activities for hydroelectric electrical equipment such as generators, transformers, switchgear, bus systems, protective relays, and auxiliary power systems.
Assist in the development and update of engineering standards, procedures and documentation related to hydroelectric electrical systems, maintenance practices, reliability assessments, and plant modifications.
Provide technical support for troubleshooting electrical failures and equipment performance issues, including participation in root cause analysis and development of corrective actions.
Support compliance activities associated with hydroelectric electrical systems, including documentation and reporting related to regulatory requirements, electrical safety, and asset performance.
Participate in modernization and rehabilitation projects involving protective relays, auxiliary power systems, monitoring devices, and other electrical upgrades intended to improve plant reliability and operational safety.
Support environmental and dam safety efforts as they relate to reliable electrical supply, emergency power systems, spillway actuation, and critical station service systems.
Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours, and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.