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Distribution Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Giga Energy

Project Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering workflows, templates, and design libraries. Requirements * 5+ years of relevant experience as a utility engineer, distribution engineer, or ...

Gap, Inc.

Director, Network Engineering

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

The Director of Network Engineering will lead a globally distributed engineering organization with teams located across San Francisco, Hyderabad Development Center (HDC), and multiple North America ...

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All JobsDistribution Engineering JobsDistribution Engineering Jobs in California

Distribution Engineering information

See California salary details

$16

$43

$69

How much do distribution engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution engineering 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, troubleshooting skills, and relevant certifications.

What is the difference between Distribution Engineering vs Power System Engineering?

AspectDistribution EngineeringPower System Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, utility companies, local distribution networksDesign, analysis, and planning of large-scale power systems
Industry UsageUtility companies, municipal power providersGeneration, transmission, and large-scale power companies

Distribution Engineering focuses on designing and maintaining local electrical distribution networks, while Power System Engineering involves planning and analyzing large-scale power systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within utility industries, but they differ in scope and focus.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior distribution engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in power systems and grid management, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership, complex project management, and working in competitive or high-demand markets.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior distribution engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in power systems and grid management, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership, complex project management, and specialized technical skills in electrical distribution networks.

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

Distribution engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership positions. Such high salaries are typically found in senior management, consulting, or highly specialized roles in large companies or utility firms. Entry-level or mid-career electrical engineers usually earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on location, industry, and expertise.
What cities in California are hiring for Distribution Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Distribution Engineering job openings:
Distribution Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,375 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Engineer Assistant (Substation Engineering)

RennickBarrett Recruiting, INC

El Centro, CA

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

This is a 12 month salaried Contract Assignment
PRIMARY FUNCTION
Under general supervision, performs professional engineering work related to the district's electric distribution engineering and planning functions. Performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Engineer, Assistant is distinguished from the Engineer in that incumbents do not have a professional registration, and perform their duties under the supervision of an Engineer. Progression to the next level will depend on obtaining required experience and/or certification and approval from management.

May be consulted on a 24-hour basis regarding specific engineering problems which may be of an emergency nature, or may be required to supervise emergency repair work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The examples of essential functions listed below are representative but not necessarily exhaustive or descriptive and incumbent may be assigned other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment for the position.
1. Assists with designing electrical components and structures for a variety of engineering project as re-builds, upgrades and new line extension to improve the distribution system performance; and participates in preparation of cost estimates, bill of materials, working plans and construction notes.
2. Assists in reviewing marginal system operational characteristics and recommends distribution equipment to reduce or eliminate impact on customers.
3. Assists with research for annual budget regarding capital projects; assist in preparing preliminary one, three and ten year studies regarding distribution and substation capacities;
prepares per unit costs and project estimations for distribution projects overhead and underground.
4. Assists with preparation of major work authorization packages for distribution projects, prepares cost breakdowns, SAP reports and participates preparing project scope, cost breakdowns, power point presentations and deliverables.
5. Reviews, assists and recommends course of action to resolve distribution system operating problems in coordination with district personnel.
6. Remains current on district, federal, state and local safety codes and regulations, and
insures district staff complies with the codes and regulations.
7. Assists engineers in researching and evaluating technical problems and applies
engineering principles and theories in investigations to develop and improve power
systems.
8. Keeps supervisor current on projects and prepares reports.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists with preparation of specifications for the design of new or modification of existingsystems and equipment.
2. Assists with coordination between contractors, suppliers and district resources duringmultiple project phases; reviews work design, and fabrication of both internal and externalresources to ensure specifications and standards are in compliance.
3. Assists in reviewing and developing of revised or new district distribution system designcriteria.
4. Assists in preparing and recommending annual budget, three and ten-year budget.
5. Reviews trade periodicals and participates in trade and/or technical seminars to remain
current on innovations and industry trends; informs staff of information.
6. Prepares specification for systems and equipment.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/orability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree with a major in electrical engineering or related field or Associate'sdegree with a major in electrical engineering and four years of distribution engineeringexperience and Engineering-In-Training Certificate is required.
  • Licensing: A valid driver's license issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles isrequired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

Principles of electrical engineering; engineering, computer science and mathematicalconcepts; legal descriptions; manual and computer-aided drafting techniques andprocedures; personal computer and appropriate software applications including CAD,Power Flow and transient stability software, communication, internet, word, excel, andaccess; energy management system real-time data retrieval; and safe work practices.

Skills/Abilities

  • Conceptualize engineering problems and design effective solutions;
  • Read, analyze, and interpret system studies, financial reports, performance evaluations, policy and procedure,governmental rules and regulations and legal documents;
  • Exercise sound judgment in bothroutine and emergency situations; maintain effective relations with employees and public and/or private agency representatives; apply complex mathematical concepts; write clear, concise reports and studies; set priorities;
  • Understand safety rules and regulations andwork safely; be prompt and regular in attendance; and work courteously and cooperativelywith employees, public and/or private agency representatives, vendor and manufacturerrepresentatives, regulatory agency representative and municipal representatives.

Tools and Equipment Used
General office equipment, computer, calculator, electrical and mechanical test equipment,analytical equipment, diagnostic equipment, manuals, reference books, telephone, copymachine, fax machine and vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employeeencounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a well lighted officeenvironment with climatically controlled temperature; the employee occasionally works in outsideweather conditions; near moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, dust, and airborneparticles; to heat including direct sunlight.

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