Senior Substation Engineer

The intent of this job posting is to fill two (2) regular, full-time positions and establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill permanent or limited-term vacancies for the next two (2) years.

Every day at SMUD, we deliver power to more than 1.5 million customers throughout the Sacramento area. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, we have been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 75 years. We are a recognized industry leader and award winner for our innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for our sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Through the efforts of the 2,400 people that power us, we work 24/7 to keep the lights on and provide our customers with innovative energy solutions. We're one of the region's largest employers, with a reputation for attracting, developing, and retaining some of the most talented employees around.

SMUD is seeking two experienced Senior Substation Engineers. The successful candidates will support the substation engineering team in creating designs for and leading high-voltage substation projects. Responsibilities include executing such projects during initiation, detailed design, procurement of equipment and contracts, construction support, and closeout phases. These roles will also support substation projects related to SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan execution, large load interconnections, electrifications, and provide an excellent opportunity for future growth.

Please Note: You must clearly demonstrate on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skill, and experience listed in the required and desirable qualifications sections of this posting.

Provides senior level skills involved in the design of complex standard and non-standard electrical transmission and distribution substations, and facilities and in the development of transmission and distribution substation design and construction standards.

Serves as an advanced journey level resource within Substation Engineering; works independently on projects of moderate complexity; exercises independent judgment and discretion; may serve in a lead role and assist in planning, coordinating, prioritizing, monitoring, and evaluating the work results in assigned area and in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating, and developing lower-level personnel.

• Ensures that electrical transmission and distribution facilities are adequately designed to meet SMUD customer requirements on a reliable basis; contributes to the development, maintenance, and reliability of SMUD power transmission and distribution facilities by managing and performing the design and construction of complex standard and non-standard projects that include the design and modification of transmission and distribution substations, the development of transmission and distribution substation design and construction standards, and the development of plans that define the scope, budget, schedule, and resources for assigned projects.
• Ensures the selection and performance of contractors in accordance with project needs, requirements, and contract agreements; prepares and/or includes bid proposals, specifications, and related contract documents; evaluates and participates in the selection of contractors; negotiates with selected contractors; manages contractors on assigned projects including to monitor and direct contractor activities in accordance with contract documents.
• Performs a variety of duties to maintain and improve the functioning of the transmission and distribution systems; responds to equipment failures in the transmission and distribution systems by evaluating failures, preparing reports, recommending courses of action, and, where complex repairs are required, directing and overseeing the repair and/or installation of equipment.

• Ensures that materials and equipment utilized in SMUD power distribution and transmission facilities meet established specification and quality requirements to facilitate proper functioning and achieve life cycle requirements; develops and maintains materials, equipment, and construction standards specifications and quality control by evaluating new materials, developing design and construction standards, writing equipment specifications, coordinating trial equipment installations, evaluating technical bids of equipment for application on SMUD’s distribution and transmission systems, conducting source inspections of manufacturing facilities for pre-qualification and during project production on SMUD orders, performing receiving inspection on critical items, and providing technical expertise and guidance to the test laboratory engaged in the examination and acceptance testing of received materials, the examination and failure assessment on failed materials, and instrument repair and calibration in support of other work groups.
• Maintains a current knowledge of industry practices, standards, and procedures of electrical power transmission and distribution design, construction, materials, and equipment through contact with industry peers, professional journals, membership in professional associations, contact with materials and equipment suppliers, and evaluation of new products.
• Informs SMUD executive management, Board of Directors, and Board committees of project status through informational presentations and periodic written and oral reports.
• Provides guidance and participates in assigned tasks of a work unit in order to meet defined unit goals and schedules and comply with SMUD schedule, quality, quantity, safety and performance standards; plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, and guides work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; communicates with team members and incorporates their input to processes and techniques; provides staff training; promotes staff safety and a safe work environment; assists in selecting and orienting new personnel; assists in evaluating work performance results; participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervisory staff when solutions are not readily achievable.
• Assists in administering the department budget; participates in planning, monitoring, and revising schedules, work plans, expenditures, and assignments to support the achievement of unit objectives in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Electrical Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

At least five (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the planning, design, and operation of electric utility transmission and distribution systems and facilities, including distribution and transmission substations.

Valid California Driver’s License.

Fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to transmission and distribution systems design, construction, operation, and protection; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to electrical power engineering including advanced circuit analysis, electrical equipment design, short circuit calculations, grounding, and protective relaying; fundamentals, procedures, and practices related to manufacturing processes of electrical equipment and components including welding, rubber/fiberglass/plastic extruding, metal fabrication, and assembly; applicable industry standards such as ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, ICEA, ASTM, ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and ISO 9002; federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing safety; concepts related to evaluating and recording performance results; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; methods and techniques for training staff; practices for delegating, assigning, and reviewing work assignments; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and practices for negotiating; techniques and strategies for public speaking; concepts for cost control and project scheduling; performance management techniques related to project management; fundamentals and practices for contract management; procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; techniques and practices related to negotiations and compromise; procedures and practices for overseeing contractor’s/consultant’s work activities; procedures and practices for project budget management; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.

Establish, manage, monitor and update budget; initiate, establish and maintain working relationships internally/externally; interact with others to influence and motivate; interpret SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs, and/or other special agreements; oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; plan, oversee, and review the work of others; provide input to performance evaluations for the work of others; compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures, and/or activities internally/externally; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely one-on-one or to groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; develop and maintain project budget and schedule; evaluate and resolve complex technical or management issues; monitor and manage projects; negotiate with internal and external management on projects; plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule projects; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; assess situations, documents, and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action; evaluate and resolve complex technical issues; interpret, evaluate, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand, and evaluate verbal/written information and ideas; organize highly complex and conflicting data in a readily understandable manner for various audiences; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally.

• Proven skills in contract procurement and management
• Experience leading and coordinating project teams
• Demonstrated ability to review engineering submittals
• Background in the design of electrical facilities for distribution and transmission substations
• Experience developing specifications for high-voltage equipment
• Knowledge in the development of substation standards and/or design guidelines

Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California.

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

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. 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 hybrid 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 www.calpers.ca.gov.

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.