What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electric Distribution Project Engineer position at City of Palo Alto?
Apply today and shape the future of electric utilities!
The City of Palo Alto operates a full suite of municipal utility services, including electric, natural gas, wastewater collection, water, and fiber optics. Our organization is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and has a history of leading innovation on a local scale for positive global outcomes. Founded on the principles of delivering quality public services at an affordable rate for community members, the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is award-winning for reliability, safety, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and infrastructure system improvements.
The Electric Project Engineer is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing all phases or specific components of complex electric utility projects—from initial concept through design, construction, and project closeout. This position develops advanced electrical engineering designs, prepares detailed specifications and cost estimates, and composes technical reports related to electric utility maintenance and construction activities.
Ideal Candidate
This professional is meticulous and solutions-oriented, equipped with deep expertise in electrical system design, regulatory adherence, and comprehensive project execution. Their technical capabilities encompass power distribution networks, electric substations, CAD/GIS drafting, and field commissioning, supported by a strong grasp of local and national electrical codes and safety protocols. They are adept at coordinating interdisciplinary teams, navigating complex schedules and budgets, and consistently delivering projects from concept to completion. Their sharp troubleshooting skills, effective stakeholder communication, and commitment to innovation—especially in renewable energy and smart infrastructure—make them a vital asset to the engineering team.
Depending on applicant qualifications, positions may be filled at the appropriate level/salary of:
Assistant Power Engineer ( $127,649.60 - $156,291.20 Annually)
Associate Power Engineer ($141,148.80 - $172,889.60 Annually)
Power Engineer ( $159,224.00 - $195,041.60 Annually)
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects requiring engineering experience in electric utility distribution and substations.
- Performs load studies and prepares forecasts as required for utilities' system planning and budget preparation.
- Project management for major electric distribution and substation Capital Improvement Projects.
- Coordinates system improvement activities with key customers.
- Supervises inspectors and technicians during project development and constructions phases.
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:
Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with power option or equivalent experience)
- Three years increasingly responsible electric utility engineering and project management experience.
Special Requirements:
- Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California.
Salary : $127,650 - $156,291
