Associate Distribution Design Engineer Entry Level

Minimum Pay Rate: $96,553.60 

Maximum Pay Rate: $127,878.40 

Civil Service Status: Civil Service 

Apply by Date: 09/05/2025 

Posting Type: Open 

Note: This position will be filled at either the Entry or Journey level. If you are interested in being considered for the Journey position, please apply to requisition #2400.

SMUD is looking to fill a regular, full-time Distribution Design Engineer position in the Maintenance Planning and Standards engineering team. We are seeking a highly engaged individual to join the Standards engineering team that supports our Zero Carbon Plan. Individuals will perform engineering functions under the direction of a Supervising Principal Engineer. This position will perform professional technical and analytical functions in the development and administration of distribution and sub-transmission design and construction standards and specifications, to ensure compliance with all relevant safety and engineering codes, federal and state regulations. 
  

SMUD’s ideal candidate for this position has knowledge and experience related to principles, procedures, and practices related to distribution system design, construction, and operation. The selected candidate will utilize national, local, and federal requirements pertaining to electric utility systems to develop solutions; diagnose operational and design problems in electrical systems; interpret drawings, schematics, statistical data, and reports. Additionally, the successful candidate must be able to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; operate modern office equipment including a computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; present technical information in a clear and concise manner; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally. 

Purpose

Under general supervision, designs standard and non-standard electrical distribution sub-stations, lines, and facilities in compliance with relevant SMUD, local, state, and federal safety and engineering codes, laws, and regulations.

Nature and Scope

This classification is comprised of two levels: Level "E" is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level "J" upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program.  If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in ensuring that electrical transmission and distribution facilities are adequately designed to meet SMUD power requirements as well as local, state, and federal safety and engineering codes, laws, and regulations; contributes to the development and construction of utility power system projects by preparing designs of electrical facilities such as distribution sub-stations, distribution lines, and standard and non-standard service facilities; prepares rough design drawings and diagrams; oversees the preparation of finished drawings; reviews final drawings for accuracy and conformance with design requirements; prepares draft technical specifications for equipment purchases and electrical systems; collects, computes, and compiles engineering data/statistics for equipment power requirements, electrical load surveys, and similar data and interprets and makes recommendations based on data collected.
• Ensures the performance and progress of assigned projects and the proper and efficient use of SMUD resources; develops plans that define project scope, budget, schedule, and resources; manages project design and construction including budget management, scheduling, coordination of engineering work, resources and materials, and reporting and resolution of issues; writes procedures and provides field engineering support to SMUD technicians during construction and startup of facilities; resolves conflicts with external agencies, customers and/or contract staffs, and between internal groups.
• Ensures the selection and performance of contractors in accordance with project needs, requirements, and contract agreements; reviews requests for contract services; writes specifications for contract bid requests; evaluates bids; manages contract services for assigned projects; processes contractors’ material submittals and drawings; inspects and reports on contrac