Electrical Engineer, Journey (Open until filled)

Under general supervision, performs minor to moderately complex electrical engineering core responsibilities, including problem resolution/project assignments, in the most efficient, safe and cost- effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

Nature and Scope

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:

Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:

• Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.

Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:

• Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead/supervisory capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead/supervisory level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.

Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

Duties and Responsibilities

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Planning & Projects - Transportation Electrification (TE) & Demand Response (DR)

• Distribution System Impact Assessment & Modeling: Independently assess and model impacts of EV infrastructure, distributed solar, battery storage, V2G/V2B, flexible load programs, and other Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on SMUD’s grid, including feeder and substation modeling, time-series simulations, power flow and voltage analysis, transformer loading reviews, thermal evaluations, and hosting capacity studies. Identify system constraints from fast charging, fleet electrification, or high DER penetration; recommend mitigation strategies or upgrade paths
• Forecasting & System Planning: Forecast EV adoption rates, fast charging load shapes, DER capacity growth, and load flexibility to anticipate and plan for future system needs
• Engineering Support for EV Infrastructure Deployment: Provide technical analysis, site assessments, conceptual design, equipment sizing, and service upgrade recommendations for EV charging deployment in residential, commercial, fleet, transit, municipal, and public charging segments. Prepare and submit technical documentation for utility interconnection and commissioning, including drawings, specifications, protection settings, and commissioning procedures
• DER Integration & Interconnection Engineering: Evaluate and process interconnection applications for DER systems (solar PV, storage, microgrids, bidirectional EV charging), performing system impact studies, fault analysis, and equipment rating reviews. Develop service requirements, technical criteria, and review documentation; assess impacts on protection schemes, voltage regulation, power quality, and reliability
• Load Flexibility & Grid-Interactive Load Optimization: Analyze and implement managed charging, demand response, and flexible load programs across all customer segments. Evaluate effectiveness for peak demand reduction, grid constraint mitigation, and system reliability. Integrate EV/DER controls with utility operational platforms (DERMS, DRMS) and analyze event performance and flexibility results
• Technical Standards, Specifications & Procedures: Develop and maintain engineering standards, design guidelines, and procedures for TE/DER integration. Prepare technical requirements for service upgrades, interconnections, protection coordination, metering, and charging infrastructure; develop documents such as Method of Procedures (MOPs), sequencing plans, safety procedures, energization plans, and commissioning checklists, ensuring compliance with industry and electrical codes
• Project Engineering & Utility Coordination: Provide technical support throughout TE & DER project lifecycles, including feasibility evaluations, design reviews, construction support, and field verification. Coordinate with distribution planning, operations, engineering, construction, customer programs, and contractors. Review proposals, submittals and drawings; support field investigations, system energization, testing, and commissioning activities
• System Performance, Safety & Reliability Analysis: Conduct safety and reliability assessments for EV charging and DER system installations. Evaluate equipment ratings, system configurations, and recommend improvements for impacts on feeders, circuits, and substations. Coordinate with operations and maintenance for system support
• Documentation, Modeling & Technical Tools: Develop and maintain technical reports, engineering studies, as-built documentation, project specifications, and system models to support TE and DER planning. Keep distribution, interconnection, and EV load data current for accurate analysis and operations
• Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of electrical systems for various electric utility assets.

Knowledge Of

• Electrical theory and electrical engineering design fundamentals; fundamentals and practices involving the design, installation, operation, repair, and economic evaluation of electrical features of various electrical utility assets; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skills To

• Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; perform routine and standard relay coordination studies; prepare technical specifications; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; operate office equipment including a computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical audiences such as commercial and residential customers, project partners, and cross functional teams.
• Advanced knowledge of EV charging infrastructure and systems, state and local building codes, and technical requirements for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) like EVs, solar, and battery storage
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex EV and DER infrastructure projects, including site assessments, preparation of engineering documents and construction drawings, and system commissioning
• Familiarity with utility operations, construction practices, and cross department coordination (including planning, field crews, and customer programs), with a strong track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting utility standards and regulatory requirements, and contributing to the development of engineering guidelines, procedures, and technical specifications through collaborative review and alignment.

Physical Requirements