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Electrical Distribution Design Jobs in California

Distribution Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $108K/yr

Review design and documentation of entry level staff. * Monitor the construction of various electrical distribution systems as assigned to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Activities ...

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Electrical Power Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

This role is focused specifically on power distribution and building electrical systems--NOT electronics, PCB design, or software engineering. This role is focused on building power systems design ...

Electrical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$96.32/hr

Do you have experience with Semiconductor capital equipment power distribution design? If you ... Check electrical drawings and schematics before production release. * BOM (Bill of Material ...

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Electrical Distribution Design information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$99.7K

$146.1K

How much do electrical distribution design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical distribution design in California is $99,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Electrical Distribution Design, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power distribution systems, and industry standards, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, GIS systems, and knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) or similar regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure precise designs and smooth collaboration with clients and project teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electrical distribution solutions.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution Design vs Electrical Power Systems Engineering?

AspectElectrical Distribution DesignElectrical Power Systems Engineering
CredentialsPE license, engineering degreePE license, advanced degrees often preferred
Work EnvironmentField and office, focusing on distribution networksOffice and field, broader power system analysis
Industry UsageUtilities, renewable energy, commercial projectsUtilities, transmission, large-scale power generation
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Electrical Distribution Design focuses on planning and designing local power distribution networks, while Electrical Power Systems Engineering covers broader power system analysis, transmission, and generation. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced in Electrical Distribution Design roles, and how can new hires effectively address them?

Professionals in Electrical Distribution Design often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. New hires can address these challenges by developing strong communication skills, staying updated on industry codes like the NEC, and leveraging design software to streamline workflows. Proactively seeking feedback from senior engineers and participating in cross-disciplinary meetings also helps in overcoming technical and logistical hurdles, contributing to successful project outcomes.

What is electrical distribution design?

Electrical distribution design involves planning and creating systems that safely and efficiently deliver electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users. This includes designing the layout of power lines, transformers, switchgear, and other components to ensure reliable distribution. Electrical distribution designers must consider factors such as load requirements, safety codes, cost, and future expansion. They often use specialized software and must coordinate with utility companies, engineers, and local authorities throughout the project.
What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California? For Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution Design jobs in California are:
Sr. Electrical Distribution Systems Engineer

Sr. Electrical Distribution Systems Engineer

Rivian

Irvine, CA

$111K - $138K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago


Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
The Electrical Distribution System Integration Engineer will be design responsible for the electrical wiring system, and ensure that it is correct, meets plan of record, and is prepared for release to support mass production in accordance with Rivian engineering best design practice. Taking into consideration: DFM/DFA, and APQP/PPAP supplier quality standards. The EDS Integration engineer will act as a technical lead for their Vehicle Platform Harness Architecture and ensure that supporting Design Release Engineers (DREs) and Application Engineers have completed all of their necessary design deliverables for pre production, production, and post production changes.
Responsibilities
  • Define vehicle topologies for device connections, specialty cables, grounding, Low Voltage Power Architecture, 120/230V AC, and integrate with vehicle communication protocols (e.g. CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.)
  • Collaborate with hardware / software vehicle architects to develop vehicle integration strategies for physical implementation of the harnessing, supporting and leading logical and physical diagram reviews.
  • Derive and maintain information from device transmittals (DT / ICDs), Vehicle requirements, Vehicle Architecture, and collaboration with Rivian DREs and output sub-system Logical schematics.
  • Develop complexity matrices for all harness families, defining all region and circuit level variants, trims, and options.
  • Define and review connector/terminal selection and cavity layout with Rivian DRE(s) and Librarians
  • Ensure the design supports all cross functional teams design intent, including properly specifying wire size and type for ampacity, voltage drop, cost, routing, etc.
  • Support Vehicle and Tier I Assembly lines for design implementation, issue tracking, and closure.
  • Support TPMs in creating timing plans, as well as coordinating changes to ensure design alignment within the Electrical Distribution Organization (2D/3D/Systems) and across cross functional teams.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or related engineering disciplines
  • Experience in Wire Harness Design Tool, Capital Harness Suite preferred.
  • Experience with Program Management tools, such as: Jira, Jama, Smartsheet, and Confluence
  • Experience working with specialty cables Knowledge of DFMEA principles and execution preferred.
  • Willingness to develop new technologies for future programs
  • Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
  • Self-driven, displaying initiative with minimal supervision
  • Patience, kindness, self-control, confidently centered around a positive mental attitude
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Visio, and Power Point or equivalent.

Pay Disclosure
Pay Range: The salary range for this role is $121,000 - $151,000 annually for Southern California based applicants, or $111,000 - $138,000 annually for Michigan based applicants.
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than 5/10/2026.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009