1

Electrical Distribution Engineer Jobs in California

Engineering of distribution electrical projects through the entire project lifecycle: from conceptual and feasibility, though detailed design, to construction and service * Leading or supporting ...

Engineering of distribution electrical projects through the entire project lifecycle: from conceptual and feasibility, though detailed design, to construction and service * Leading or supporting ...

Distribution Engineer IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Responsibilities Review designs of various electrical distribution systems of varying size and ... Engineering calculations to assure safety and performance of equipment and systems. * Acquisition ...

Distribution Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

Distribution Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

Distribution Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

Distribution Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

Distribution Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to ... Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Electrical Distribution Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.6K

$165.8K

How much do electrical distribution engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical distribution engineer in California is $109,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution Engineer vs Electrical Power Engineer?

AspectElectrical Distribution EngineerElectrical Power Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining electrical distribution systems for utilities and infrastructureDesigning and analyzing electrical power systems, including generation and transmission
Industry UsageUtilities, infrastructure, renewable energy projectsPower generation, transmission, and large-scale energy projects

Electrical Distribution Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable power delivery to consumers. Electrical Power Engineers work on the broader power generation and transmission systems, often involving large-scale energy projects. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, their primary focus areas differ within the electrical power industry.

What are some common challenges faced by electrical distribution engineers in maintaining reliable power delivery?

Electrical Distribution Engineers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, fluctuating energy demands, and integrating renewable energy sources into existing grids. They must quickly diagnose and resolve outages, ensure safety compliance, and optimize system efficiency under tight deadlines. Collaboration with field technicians, utility planners, and regulatory bodies is essential to address these issues and implement long-term improvements. Staying updated with technological advancements and industry standards also plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical distribution engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, GIS, and distribution system modeling tools, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help engineers collaborate with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution networks.

What does an electrical distribution engineer do?

An Electrical Distribution Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving the systems that deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. They ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of electrical distribution networks, which includes overhead lines, underground cables, substations, and related equipment. Their work often involves planning new installations, troubleshooting outages, conducting system analysis, and coordinating with utility companies and contractors.
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,636 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Distribution Engineer

Wood Plc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood Process & Energy business performs consulting and EPCM services for many of North America's power generation and power distribution companies. 

Wood currently has exciting opportunities for an Intermediate Distribution Engineer. Reporting to the Manager, Distribution Engineering,this position can be located in any of the following offices - Vancouver, BC, Calgary, AB, Regina, SK, Saskatoon, SK, Oakville, ON, Tucker, GA, West Palm Beach, FL, Orlando, FL or Los Angeles, CA. If you have a successful track record and thrive on challenges in a fast-paced environment, this is the opportunity for you.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Engineering of distribution electrical projects through the entire project lifecycle: from conceptual and feasibility, though detailed design, to construction and service
  • Leading or supporting overhead and underground distribution engineering projects defining scopes of work, completing cost estimates, performing engineering calculations, interconnection studies and developing detailed design drawings
  • Supporting the preparation of technical specifications, tender documents, and technical reports.
  • Providing construction support and overall project engineering coordination.
  • Responding to information requests during construction and completing project documentation including preparation of record drawings
  • Leading a team of engineers and designers when required to successfully deliver a portfolio of projects
  • Maintaining and enhancing relationships with other design disciplines and external stakeholders and assist team leads and managers
  • Mentoring and guiding junior staff
  • Traveling and visiting project sites during design and construction
Skills / Qualifications
  • Electrical Engineering Degree from a recognized university along with a Professional Engineering Designation or eligibility for registration
  • 5+ years of overhead and underground distribution engineering experience serving utilities in North America
  • Knowledge of CSA/IEC/NESC Standards and Codes and major utility Engineering Standards
  • Knowledge of electrical design including the selection and installation of conductors, insulators, switchgears, circuit breakers, fuses and other distribution equipment
  • Knowledge of smart infrastructure equipment such as automatic feeder switches, remote sensing switching, remote sensing cap banks and other smart equipment
  • Knowledge of PV's and EV's
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
  • Able to apply sound engineering judgement to resolve technical issues
  • Able to take on responsibility for high-profile projects
  • Clean driving record/abstract
  • The following qualifications are considered an asset:

- Knowledge of structural, civil and geotechnical aspects of distribution engineering

- Knowledge of overhead systems design and the use of PLS-CADD

- Knowledge of interconnecting DER's and modeling interconnection studies

- Experience in power system analysis (such as voltage drop, equipment loading, steady-state voltage rise, etc.) using software such as CYME, ETAP, EasyPower, SKM.

- Experience with substation and transmission projects

- Experience with AutoCAD

- Experience with GIS applications       

- Experience with Jira application

- Experience mentoring junior staff

- Experience in both Canada and United States

- Experience working in a utility or consulting environment and managing multiple projects with competing priorities

Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement (EEO)

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER