Power Generation Electrical Engineer, Senior (Open Until Filled)

SMUD•Pollock Pines, CA

27d•$156,000 - $206,606•Onsite

About The Position

SMUD's Power Generation hydro maintenance engineering group is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer interested in supporting the ongoing maintenance of, and upgrades to, the hydropower system. The ideal candidate is a good communicator, is comfortable managing projects in the field and likes to be hands on in support of skilled craft workers on construction projects. 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. If you have experience in power generation, project management, and regulatory compliance, and enjoy working in an outdoor environment, this position offers a meaningful opportunity to impact SMUD’s energy future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree majoring in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.
At least five (5+) years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in electrical engineering and design, including at least three (3+) years focused on supporting power generation assets such as thermal, hydro, wind, photovoltaic generating resources, battery systems, and/or natural gas pipelines.
Professional registration as an electrical engineer in the state of California.
Advanced electrical theory and engineering design fundamentals.
Design, installation, operation, repair, and economic evaluation of power system components, including generation units, station services, transformers, switchyards, high-voltage transmission systems, and integrated control and protection systems such as protection relays, measurement, regulation, and operation.
Generation and transmission system operations on an advanced level.
Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing electrical codes and standards.
Planning, organizing, directing, and controlling work activities efficiently.
Project monitoring and management procedures and best practices.
Budget preparation and financial administration fundamentals.
Standard office procedures, methods, and equipment, including the use of computers and relevant software applications.
English language usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Utilize personal computers, relevant systems, and software applications.
Collect, assess, and interpret test data related to electrical power systems.
Evaluate power system operations and prepare technical specifications.
Read and interpret engineering documents and drawings.
Evaluate complex vendor bid submittals.
Estimate time, material, and labor costs for electrical engineering projects.
Plan, oversee, and review the work of others.
Assess and interpret regulatory codes and regulations.
Work effectively with external regulatory agencies.
Demonstrate strong skills in team management, including motivation, coaching, mentoring, training, and staff development.
Establish, manage, monitor, and update project budgets.
Compile and prepare technical, statistical and analytical reports and presentations.
Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of design and maintenance of power generation electrical systems – including excitation, transformers, transmission, automation, and protection
Proven ability to manage complex capital and maintenance projects from start to finish
Track record of field work in collaboration with skilled trades.
Experience with asset management strategies and long term planning.
Deep understanding of 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

Drive electrical engineering projects to develop and integrate new designs and enhancements for power generation assets, maximizing energy efficiency, ensuring operational effectiveness, and adhering to regulatory requirements.
Assume full project management responsibilities, including project planning, team assembly, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and tracking scope, budget and timeline. Develop project controls and manage resources efficiently.
Prepare comprehensive project documentation, ensuring clarity and adherence to industry standards.
Develop and implement testing plans and procedures to evaluate performance and efficiency of electrical systems; oversee installation and testing to ensure contractor compliance with design specifications and safety standards.
Conduct problem diagnosis and resolution for assets, applying expertise to implement effective solutions. Establish technical guidance and standards for the maintenance of electrical equipment, providing training and technical documentation to electrical staff.
Drive development of engineering specifications and bid package for own procurement efforts; oversee procurement activities of entry- and journey-level engineers. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Legal, and department managers to secure essential equipment and services for project execution.
Act as a liaison with external governmental, regulatory, and private agencies; interpret regulations and facilitate compliance efforts while representing SMUD in public hearings and meetings.
Maintain expertise in industry best practices by attending seminars and engaging in professional organizations to stay current with technological advancements.
Identify and resolve complex electrical issues, conduct data interpretation, and provide recommendations for equipment improvements and operational needs.
Assist in administering the department budget by participating in planning, monitoring and revising project schedules, work plans, and expenditures.
Drive the design, maintenance and rehabilitation of hydroelectric powerhouses’ electrical infrastructure, focusing on main generator circuits, excitation power equipment, high/medium/low voltage power distribution, switchyard/substation equipment, to ensure operational safety, system reliability, and plant availability.
Develop and review electrical one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics and controls, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, equipment layouts, and installation details for generators, transformers, bus work, switchgear, grounding systems, arc flash studies, and protection systems for hydroelectric facilities, ensuring all documentation and designs support safety standards and reliable long-term operation.
Specify, coordinate and oversee testing, troubleshooting and commissioning activities for large hydro generators, power transformers, high-voltage bus/switchgear, and protection relays, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and maximizing system reliability and availability.
Develop and update standards and procedures for hydroelectric electrical system maintenance, reliability assessments, and capital projects, with an emphasis on electrical safety, protective relaying, and power system performance to reduce risk and maintain consistent plant operation.
Drive electrical aspects of FERC and NERC hydroelectric regulatory compliance actions, including documentation and reporting for power system assets and event reviews related to electrical equipment, supporting a culture of compliance, safety and reliability.
Serve as a technical resource for electrical failures, troubleshooting electrical faults, and root cause analysis related to generator, transformer or switchgear performance, ensuring prompt mitigation of safety hazards and restoration of stable operation.
Mentor and provide technical training on hydroelectric electrical system topics to engineers, technicians and craft staff, with a focus on safe work practices, reliable system operation, and maintaining plant integrity.
Participate in hydro modernization projects by supporting selection and integration of protective relays, auxiliary power systems, and advanced electrical monitoring devices to improve asset reliability, operational safety, and plant availability.
Support environmental and dam safety efforts as they relate to the integrity and reliability of electrical supply and emergency power for spillway actuation and critical station systems, ensuring compliance with all safety standards and regulatory requirements.