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Distribution Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Giga Energy

Project Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Requirements * 5+ years of relevant experience as a utility engineer, distribution engineer, or distribution engineering technician (or equivalent). * Strong electrical design competency with ...

Everpure

Power Supply Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

... distribution across servers and storage platforms. * Master System Interfaces: Debug critical ... A BSEE or MSEE in Electrical Engineering ; we are looking for senior-level technical mastery in ...

Giga Energy

Project Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Requirements * 5+ years of relevant experience as a utility engineer, distribution engineer, or distribution engineering technician (or equivalent). * Strong electrical design competency with ...

Leidos

Distribution Engineering Supervisor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Distribution Engineering Supervisor in Oahu, Hawaii who is passionate about ... Ability to review other engineer designs and detailed eye for errors. * Experience monitoring ...

Leidos

Distribution Engineering Supervisor

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Distribution Engineering Supervisor in Oahu, Hawaii who is passionate about ... Ability to review other engineer designs and detailed eye for errors. * Experience monitoring ...

Leidos

Distribution Engineering Supervisor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Distribution Engineering Supervisor in Oahu, Hawaii who is passionate about ... Ability to review other engineer designs and detailed eye for errors. * Experience monitoring ...

Leidos

Distribution Engineering Supervisor

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Distribution Engineering Supervisor in Oahu, Hawaii who is passionate about ... Ability to review other engineer designs and detailed eye for errors. * Experience monitoring ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,375 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Project Engineer

Project Engineer

Giga Energy

San Francisco, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

What you'll do

As a Project Engineer, you'll play a key role in bringing Giga's electrical infrastructure projects to life. You'll translate customer and utility requirements into site plans and electrical designs, ensuring our systems meet performance, safety, and cost goals. You'll work cross-functionally with utilities, suppliers, electricians, and our internal product and operations teams to drive projects from concept through deployment.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys problem-solving in the field, and has the technical grounding to confidently handle medium-voltage design conversations with partners and vendors.

Where you'll work

This role will be based in our San Francisco offices. You must be willing to work in the office full-time, outside of our bi-weekly WFH Fridays. Employees will be able to work remotely for up to 4 weeks per year.

Responsibilities
  • Draft and iterate on site plans and electrical plans for customer projects using Autodesk and other design tools.
  • Collaborate with utilities, engineers, suppliers, and electrical contractors to finalize electrical design requirements.
  • Support the development of medium-voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) component specifications and layouts.
  • Manage and iterate on site design packages for multiple concurrent projects in the origination and deployment pipeline.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce cost and lead time through early component identification and design optimization.
  • Support procurement of electrical bill of materials for customer projects
  • Work cross-functionally with Giga's product and operations teams to ensure engineering and construction deliverables meet project timelines and quality standards.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering workflows, templates, and design libraries.
Requirements
  • 5+ years of relevant experience as a utility engineer, distribution engineer, or distribution engineering technician (or equivalent).
  • Strong electrical design competency with experience in medium-voltage distribution systems and substation design
  • Proficiency in Autodesk drafting tools and ability to produce and iterate on site plans.
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort collaborating across disciplines (utilities, electricians, suppliers, internal teams).
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred (experience may substitute).
Bonus points 
  • Experience working within energy, utilities, or infrastructure design industries.
  • Familiarity with transformer or switchgear design and deployment.
  • Prior experience managing multiple simultaneous engineering projects from design through implementation.
Benefits
  • Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Parental leave
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Team on-sites where all offices come in-person to collaborate

Apply