Contractual Distinguished Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $131,248.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $173,888.00
Apply by Date: 08/23/2026
Civil Service Status: Civil Service
This position is being posted at both the Journey and Senior level; however, only one hire will be made from these two postings. Candidates interested in both levels must apply separately to each posting.
This posting will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill current and future limited term and full time Associate Transmission Planning Engineer, Journey vacancies. To be considered, please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates that you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience outlined in the minimum qualifications of this posting.
In support of our reliable planning and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged Associate Transmission Planning Engineer (Journey) 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 in transmission planning and generation interconnection studies and compliance support with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria to support the reliable and cost-effective planning of the BES generation and transmission assets for SMUD and BANC.
Purpose
Performs specialized professional technical and analytical functions in a variety of planning areas including generation, transmission, and contractual resources to ensure SMUD's power requirements are met, and power resource assets are managed to maximize benefits to SMUD within legal and established SMUD policy constraints; and ensures the reliable operation of the transmission/generation system for SMUD and the SMUD Control Area.
Nature and Scope
This classification is comprised of two levels: "E" is the entry, "J" is the journey. This is the journey-level and is distinguished from the entry by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervision where solutions are not readily achievable; prepares written summaries, reports and recommendations for planning studies and SMUD projects.
• Ensures system safety and reliability of SMUD and the Control Area and the delivery of adequate power to meet SMUD's power needs in a cost effective manner; provides reliable delivery of power to the load center by monitoring and assessing the adequacy of the bulk power system and other utilities' transmission systems; assesses line loadings, voltage levels, and system stability under various operating conditions, system contingencies, and planned clearances; conducts a variety of transmission system reliability studies including transmission contingency analysis and power flow studies (steady state and dynamic stability studies) ; assesses the level of planning and operating reserves to assure adequate compliance with NERC and WECC requirements and reliability standards.
• Provides inter-utility and intra-utility support and ensures the implementation of SMUD's strategic business objectives; provides support for transmission and generation issues;; supports the development process for standard practices, procedures, and guidelines for planning and operating the bulk power system in compliance with interconnection agreements and reliability requirements and standards.
• 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 assigned work activities successfully contribute to the overall completion of department projects.
• Stays up to date with industry trends by participating with working groups, reviewing industry guidelines and white papers, attending industry meetings and webinars, etc.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in Electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in power operations engineering or transmission system planning.

Knowledge Of
Methods and techniques for planning and organizing work activities, teamwork, report preparation/writing, and negotiating; fundamentals and practices of economic analyses of projects/programs, program evaluation, analytical approaches, problem research/resolution, and resolving complex technical issues; fundamentals, practices, and procedures related to power system operation, advanced power system theory, thermal and hydroelectric generation, and load management dispatch; systems and concepts related to economic planning and operation of a power system; planning and design techniques; fundamentals related to short circuit evaluation; generator unit efficiency and capability characteristics; WECC/NERC Reliability standards and criteria; AC/DC transmission systems; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; fundamentals and practices of database administration and electronic records; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.
Skills To
Oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; interact with others; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
Why Sacramento, California?
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.
Hybrid Work
This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD's business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.
CalPERS
SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.
SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Req ID: 2973