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Electrical Distribution Engineer Jobs in California

Distribution Engineer III/IV

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

As our Distribution Engineer , you will support our Transmission & Distribution electrical design group. You will contribute to teams in the delivery of mechanical systems, electrical systems and ...

As our Distribution Engineer , you will support our Transmission & Distribution electrical design group. You will contribute to teams in the delivery of mechanical systems, electrical systems and ...

Distribution Engineer III/IV

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

As our Distribution Engineer , you will support our Transmission & Distribution electrical design group. You will contribute to teams in the delivery of mechanical systems, electrical systems and ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$146K - $178K/yr

Provide technical leadership on electrical distribution systems, equipment selection, protective relay selection and power management system configuration. * Review engineering deliverables and ...

This position is in the Engineering Services Division within the Infrastructure Engineering and ... Advanced experience in facility electrical distribution systems, maintenance and backup power ...

New

This position is in the Engineering Services Division within the Infrastructure Engineering and ... Advanced experience in facility electrical distribution systems, maintenance and backup power ...

New

This position is in the Engineering Services Division within the Infrastructure Engineering and ... Advanced experience in facility electrical distribution systems, maintenance and backup power ...

New

Showing results 21-40

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 16, 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, Electrical Utility

Leidos

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Description

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business.

Leidos is seeking Distribution Engineers in Maui, HI and Oahu, HI who are passionate about electric utility design engineering. We're looking for someone dedicated to ensuring that every project, no matter how simple or complex, is delivered with exceptional quality. You'll work directly with utility clients to maintain Leidos' reputation for excellence while leading a talented team supporting one of the nation's most unique electric utility systems. Your greatest work is ahead!

Location & Relocation

These positions are based on the island of Maui, HI and Oahu, HI. Candidates are expected to relocate to Maui or Oahu to support our local utility customers, projects, and team. We welcome qualified candidates from across the United States and are pleased to offer a competitive relocation package for eligible hires.

As a Distribution Engineer, you can expect to:

  • Independently develop design and construction work packages for moderately complex electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV mostly associated with programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.

  • Works to achieve day-to-day objectives with the project team.

  • Review work provided by Client and assess requirements of scopes.

  • Assist other technical staff with tasks and assignments.

  • Develop permitting documents for different AHJ’s

  • Coordinate with permit agencies, right-of-way specialists, system owners, field leaders, forestry leaders, and 3rd party owners for joint-owned poles

  • Coordinate across multiple internal areas including Project Managers and Technical Resources.

  • Able to explain technical solutions, practices, and procedures within the organization.

  • Travel to sites/Customer meetings as needed.

  • Perform engineering calculations such as: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculation of voltage drop and flicker.

  • Perform reviews of work by other engineers for submittal to Clients.

  • Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to ensure all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met. 

  • Conduct root cause analysis of outages and mitigation using engineering principles and design. 

  • Comply with Leidos and Client Safety requirements as well as design and quality expectations.

What Sets You Apart (Background Requirements):

  • 2+ years of prior relevant experience is required.

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial) from an ABET accredited institution; additional relevant experience/certifications may be considered in lieu of bachelor's degree

  • Experience with NESC Standards, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, and Bluebeam and/or Adobe.

  • Experience with ESRI and GIS a plus.

  • Experience with distribution design tools such as BOUD, Pole Foreman, Spida-Calc, O-Calc

  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) required.

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

  • Willingness to perform both field and office work. 

  • Overnight travel may be required (15-25% travel).

  • Ability to work in outdoor environments.

  • Ability to utilize personal vehicle.

At Leidos, we pride ourselves on being a trusted and technology-focused solutions provider. Our Power Delivery Services Team is the go-to for utilities and mobile operators who need reliable power and telecommunication expertise. We've worked with over 50 investor-owned utilities, over 160 municipals/cooperatives, and we're continuing to expand our reach. Plus, we've got an amazing group of industry-leading construction partners who help us deliver meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader has been confirmed time and time again. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked Leidos among the Top 10 T&D Firms and Top 10 Power Firms.

As a valued team member, you can look forward to a fast paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements, as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth opportunities, including Professional Engineer License (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Leadership training, Formal Mentorship Programs, Management opportunities.
 

PDSDLINE

PowerDelivery

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 17, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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