Principal Distribution System Engineer

Minimum Pay Rate: $146,806.40 

Maximum Pay Rate: $194,438.40 

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Posting Type: Open 

SMUD is looking to fill a regular, full-time Principal Distribution System Engineer position in the Transmission & Distribution Maintenance Planning team. We are seeking a highly engaged individual to join the maintenance engineering team that supports our Zero Carbon Plan. This position will provide real-time engineering support for the safe and reliable operation of SMUD’s power system. The ideal candidate will work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and will be responsible for the development of maintenance plans and projects, as well as troubleshooting and testing oversight of SMUD’s transmission assets, that ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
 
SMUD’s ideal candidate for this position is a forward-thinking leader who has an extensive background in transmission maintenance practices, power system and can utilize advanced tools to help resolve adverse grid conditions to ensure that the system is operating in its optimal state. The selected candidate will analyze complex technical problems and apply engineering principles 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

Performs and leads specialized professional technical and analytical functions in analyzing the performance of an assigned distribution system area and identifying corrective actions needed to ensure that the distribution system is configured to meet SMUD’s short-, medium- and long-range needs in an efficient, cost-effective and safe manner and is in compliance with SMUD’s guidelines and applicable laws and regulations.

Nature and Scope

Serves as a technical or functional expert or consultant providing expertise and/or direction in one or more areas of a professional discipline and assumes responsibility for resolving complex problems and overseeing complex projects. May also 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.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership 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.
• Ensures a safe, reliable, and economic power service to customers and to meet SMUD’s power needs; leads and performs complex distribution system planning and design including to monitor system planning and design; develops the philosophy, methodology, criteria, and standards for system analysis and design; develops, maintains, and revises related policies, rules, regulations, and programs; develops and oversees planning and analysis performance measures, work methods, procedures, and training programs.
• Ensures that SMUD’s distribution system is configured and operated to provide the maximum output and the maximum operating flexibility within contractual, emissions and other limits; conducts complex analyses of system performance and projected systems demands by forecasting electrical load growth, modeling and analyzing system impacts, identifying system deficiencies, recommending cost-effective corrective actions, performing work justification studies, producing annual work plans for capital and O&M expenditures, assisting in accident/incident investigations and reviews, evaluating new technologies, and reviewing safety trends to identify areas for improvement.
• Provides inter-utility and intra-utility coordination and ensures the implementation of SMUD’s strategic business objectives; ensur