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Distribution Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MasTec Inc

Electrical Engineer

Dublin, CA

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation, grid modernization, climate resilience, and operational strategy, IW Professional Services partners ...

Pave

AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190/hr

Pragmatic engineering judgment: you know when to move fast and when to invest in quality * Collaborative by default. You communicate clearly, work well across teams, and leave codebases better than ...

EDG Inc

Responsible for providing Distribution Engineering Design and Estimating services to Electric Utility Clients on Distribution design projects and third-party joint use attachments. This position may ...

Wood Plc

Distribution Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$22 - $27/hr

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Distribution Designer, reporting to the Manager, Distribution Engineering, this position can be located in any of the following offices - Vancouver, BC ...

Wood Plc

Distribution Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$22 - $27/hr

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Distribution Designer, reporting to the Manager, Distribution Engineering, this position can be located in any of the following offices - Vancouver, BC ...

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All JobsDistribution Engineer JobsDistribution Engineer Jobs in California

Distribution Engineer information

See California salary details

$16

$43

$69

How much do distribution engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution engineer in California is $43.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $51.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a distribution engineer do?

A distribution engineer designs, maintains, and manages the electrical distribution systems that deliver power from substations to consumers. They analyze load requirements, develop system layouts, and ensure safety and compliance using tools like CAD software. The role often requires knowledge of electrical codes and certifications such as PE or EIT, and may involve field inspections and troubleshooting.

What Is a Distribution Engineer?

A distribution engineer is a type of electrical engineer responsible for the development, installation, testing, and proper usage of electrical power equipment. As a distribution engineer, your job duties include building power distribution systems, performing safety inspections of electrical equipment, and monitoring and documenting the performance of electrical systems. The qualifications to begin a career as a distribution engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering plus several years of experience working with a variety of electrical power systems and equipment. To succeed in this job, you need to have a mechanical aptitude and strong critical thinking skills.

What are Distribution Engineers?

Distribution Engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the electrical distribution systems that deliver power from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of power lines, transformers, and other infrastructure components. Their work includes system analysis, equipment selection, reliability improvement, and compliance with safety standards. Distribution Engineers often collaborate with utility companies, construction teams, and regulatory agencies to maintain and upgrade electrical grids.

How does a Distribution Engineer typically collaborate with field crews and other departments to ensure reliable power delivery?

Distribution Engineers work closely with field crews, operations, and planning teams to design, upgrade, and maintain electrical distribution systems. They often provide technical support during outages or equipment failures, review field reports, and coordinate with other departments to schedule maintenance that minimizes customer impact. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as the engineer needs to translate technical plans into actionable steps for field personnel and ensure that projects meet safety and reliability standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior distribution engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in power systems and grid management, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such high earnings are typically found in senior leadership roles, consulting positions, or in companies operating in high-cost regions with complex infrastructure projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Distribution engineers, especially those in senior roles or with extensive experience in utility companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized skills, management responsibilities, or working in regions with high living costs, and may require advanced certifications and years of experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power distribution systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software tools such as AutoCAD, GIS, and distribution modeling systems, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for collaborating with teams and addressing client needs. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of electrical power to customers while meeting regulatory and operational standards.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Distribution engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Earning $500,000 is uncommon and usually requires senior positions, management roles, or working in high-paying sectors such as energy or consulting, often combined with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

What is the difference between Distribution Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectDistribution EngineerSubstation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, utility companies, power distribution networksSubstations, power plants, electrical infrastructure sites
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, energy providers, infrastructure firmsUtility companies, electrical infrastructure firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Distribution Engineers focus on designing, maintaining, and improving power distribution systems from substations to consumers. Substation Engineers specialize in the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their focus areas differ within the electrical power infrastructure.

More about Distribution Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution Engineer jobs in California? For Distribution Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Distribution Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Distribution Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Distribution Engineer jobs in CA? For Distribution Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,375 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

MasTec Inc

Dublin, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

MasTec rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 78 rated construction

Job description

Overview
Company Summary

IW Professional Services Construction Management Solutions provides strategic engineering, program management, construction management, and operational consulting services supporting complex utility, infrastructure, and capital improvement programs. The company specializes in delivering technically driven solutions that improve operational performance, infrastructure reliability, safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset resiliency for public and private sector clients.

With expertise spanning electric utility operations, distribution engineering, wildfire mitigation, grid modernization, climate resilience, and operational strategy, IW Professional Services partners with organizations to execute critical infrastructure initiatives from planning through implementation. The firm supports clients through integrated project delivery, technical oversight, field coordination, risk management, and data-driven operational analysis.

IW Professional Services is committed to delivering scalable, innovative, and sustainable solutions that enhance system reliability, operational efficiency, and customer-focused outcomes while supporting evolving energy and infrastructure demands.

Position Summary

IW Professional Services is seeking a highly analytical and technically proficient Electrical Engineer with expertise in electric distribution systems, grid operations, and predictive asset analytics. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in distribution engineering principles, including overhead and underground distribution infrastructure, line equipment, protective devices, feeder operations, and distribution power flow analysis.

This role focuses on leveraging advanced analytics, smart meter interval data, operational telemetry, and predictive alert systems to identify emerging asset health risks and prioritize transformer and distribution line defects. The Electrical Engineer will support reliability and wildfire mitigation initiatives by transforming complex operational and asset datasets into actionable engineering insights that improve grid resiliency, operational efficiency, and risk reduction.

The position requires close collaboration with Field Operations, Protection & Control (P&C), Distribution Engineering, Asset Management, and data science teams to validate predictive modeling outputs, improve detection accuracy, reduce false positives, and support data-driven operational decision-making. Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities are critical to success in this role.


Responsibilities
  • Analyze smart meter interval data, SCADA data, operational telemetry, and predictive alert outputs to identify and prioritize potential transformer and electric distribution system defects.
  • Develop engineering-driven insights to support asset health monitoring, reliability improvement initiatives, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies.
  • Evaluate overhead and underground distribution line conditions, transformer performance indicators, and protective device behaviors using operational and historical system data.
  • Perform distribution engineering analysis including feeder loading evaluation, circuit behavior assessment, and power flow interpretation to support operational recommendations.
  • Utilize large-scale datasets, including historical defect records, inspection reports, outage data, and operational performance metrics, to improve predictive model accuracy and reduce false positive rates.
  • Collaborate with data analytics, machine learning, and engineering teams to validate and refine predictive algorithms and anomaly detection methodologies.
  • Partner with Field Operations, Protection & Control (P&C), Distribution Planning, and Asset Management teams to investigate field conditions and validate engineering assessments.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and technical investigations related to transformer failures, line defects, and abnormal distribution system behavior.
  • Support development of engineering recommendations, risk prioritization frameworks, and corrective action plans based on predictive analytics findings.
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering summaries, and operational recommendations for internal stakeholders and leadership teams.
  • Participate in field visits, operational reviews, and engineering assessments as required.
  • Ensure compliance with utility engineering standards, operational procedures, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
  • This position will or may require driving 

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Strong knowledge of electric distribution systems, including:
    • Overhead and underground distribution infrastructure
    • Distribution line equipment
    • Protective relaying and protective device coordination
    • Transformer operations and asset behavior
    • Electric distribution operations
    • Distribution power flow analysis
  • Experience interpreting smart meter data, operational telemetry, or utility asset performance data.
  • Experience working with large datasets and performing engineering or operational data analysis.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities with attention to technical detail.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional environment with engineering, operations, and technical stakeholders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical findings clearly and concisely.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and engineering/data analysis tools.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout PG&E service territory as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in utility operations, distribution engineering, grid analytics, wildfire mitigation, or asset management programs.
  • Familiarity with machine learning applications, predictive analytics, anomaly detection, or data modeling within utility environments.
  • Knowledge of SCADA systems, AMI infrastructure, GIS platforms, outage management systems (OMS), or utility asset management systems.
  • Experience supporting reliability engineering, system protection, or grid modernization initiatives.
  • EIT certification or progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
  • Experience working within regulated utility environments and utility operational standards.

Hourly Range: $69.50/hr to $72.86/hr 

Benefits: 

Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit plan which includes the following: 

  • 401(k) Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Paid time off

Intren West, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. 

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Strong knowledge of electric distribution systems, including:
    • Overhead and underground distribution infrastructure
    • Distribution line equipment
    • Protective relaying and protective device coordination
    • Transformer operations and asset behavior
    • Electric distribution operations
    • Distribution power flow analysis
  • Experience interpreting smart meter data, operational telemetry, or utility asset performance data.
  • Experience working with large datasets and performing engineering or operational data analysis.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities with attention to technical detail.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional environment with engineering, operations, and technical stakeholders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical findings clearly and concisely.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and engineering/data analysis tools.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout PG&E service territory as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in utility operations, distribution engineering, grid analytics, wildfire mitigation, or asset management programs.
  • Familiarity with machine learning applications, predictive analytics, anomaly detection, or data modeling within utility environments.
  • Knowledge of SCADA systems, AMI infrastructure, GIS platforms, outage management systems (OMS), or utility asset management systems.
  • Experience supporting reliability engineering, system protection, or grid modernization initiatives.
  • EIT certification or progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
  • Experience working within regulated utility environments and utility operational standards.

Hourly Range: $69.50/hr to $72.86/hr 

Benefits: 

Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit plan which includes the following: 

  • 401(k) Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Paid time off

Intren West, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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