Principal Transmission Planning Engineer (Deadline Extended)

Minimum Pay Rate: $161,491

Maximum Pay Rate: $213,886 

Civil Service Status: Civil Service 

Apply by Date: 12/05/2025 

​The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years.  You must clearly demonstrate, on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required in the minimum qualifications listed in this posting. 

In support of our reliable planning and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged and experienced Principal Transmission Planning Engineer for supporting the transmission planning and generation interconnection studies. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning, this position has the responsibility for reliable planning for the current and future needs of the Bulk Electric System (BES) of SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC). This  position provides technical expertise and leadership in transmission planning and generation interconnection studies, compliance support with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria, as well as mentoring and oversight for lower level engineers, to support the reliable and cost-effective planning of the BES generation and transmission assets for SMUD and BANC.

Purpose

Performs and spearheads the performance of transmission planning studies and related engineering analyses and activities. Provides project management and SMUD representation to other utilities and external agencies to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective transmission system for SMUD. 

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/supervisory 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 transmission planning expertise and ensures the availability of timely, accurate, technical information on SMUD transmission projects; provides technical support to co-workers, other departments, and SMUD management by conducting studies and technical and economic evaluations; prepares written summaries, reports, and recommendations for planning studies and SMUD projects; responds verbally or in writing to routine and time-critical inquiries from SMUD’s Board of Directors, regulatory bodies, other utilities, public agencies, and other SMUD departments on transmission studies and projects.
• Ensures the availability of cost effective, timely, accurate, and up-to-date information on SMUD transmission lines and major electrical equipment; collects, verifies, organizes, and maintains SMUD’s data, in electronic format, on transmission lines and major electrical equipment to enable the transmission planning group and other SMUD departments to perform timely, accurate short circuit, load flow and stability studies by organizing the work group to enter, audit and maintain accurate data; uses computer expertise to facilitate selection, application, and maintenance of appropriate software programs; coordinates data capture, entry, and retrieval/exchange of information.
• Spearheads, plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews, and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract; ensures work activities successfully contribute to the overall completion of department projects.
• Ensures the technical development of transmission planning staff and quality work products; conducts technical review of evaluations, calculations, reports, and recommendations prepared by less experienced staff members and outside contractors or consultants; provides direction, guidance, suggestions and/or hands-on training to support improvements and quality standards.
• Ensures the adequacy and reliability of SMUD transmission system; provides technical support and guidance/consultation to SMUD's other departments including Energy Trading and Contracts, Resource Planning, Power Generation Project Development, Grid Assets, and Distribution Planning and Operations by evaluating projects and proposals; prepares reports; makes recommendations on transmission system losses, system reliability, voltage profiles, and other related issues.
• Represents SMUD’s positions, priorities and interests on multi-utility projects and to WECC subcommittees and reg