Electrical Engineer Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer

Type: Full-Time, W2

Location: Oakland, CA (on-site, office-based)

Salary: $125K–$170K DOE

About the Role

Innovation Consulting is hiring an Electrical Engineer to join our team on a full-time, on-site placement at one of California’s largest investor-owned utilities in Oakland. You will be embedded within an engineering and construction management team delivering transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including substation modernization, and transmission & distribution (T&D) system upgrades. This is an office-based role — design and engineering work is performed at the Oakland office with no regular requirement to travel to project sites.

The Electrical Engineer will develop and deliver engineering design packages for active T&D capital projects, working across the full range of electrical discipline deliverables from conceptual design through issued-for-construction (IFC) drawings. You will collaborate with a multidiscipline team including civil, structural, and protection and control engineers, and coordinate directly with the utility client’s engineering and standards groups.

This role requires experience working within an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC or EPCM) project delivery model. Candidates do not need to have led an EPC team, but must understand how design deliverables are produced, reviewed, and issued within an EPC workflow and how the electrical discipline interfaces with procurement, construction, and the owner. A Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred — candidates without licensure who hold a valid EIT and are actively pursuing their PE will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Analysis

•     Develop electrical design packages for substation construction and upgrade projects, including single line diagrams, equipment layouts, grounding systems, conduit and cable schedules, and lighting design

•     Perform power system studies including load flow analysis, short circuit and fault current calculations, and arc flash assessments

•     Size and specify electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, protective relays, and associated control systems

•     Design transmission and distribution line segments including conductor sizing, structure loading, and clearance analysis

•     Ensure designs comply with applicable utility standards, NESC, NEC, IEEE, and NERC requirements

Technical Deliverables & Design Review

•     Produce and review engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications to applicable project standards and IFC requirements

•     Participate in 30%, 60%, and 90% design review milestones, incorporating client and interdiscipline comments

•     Review and approve vendor submittals, equipment data sheets, and factory acceptance test procedures

•     Prepare and respond to requests for information (RFIs) from construction teams and the client

•     Support project controls with engineering progress and deliverable status updates

Coordination & Client Interface

•     Coordinate electrical design activities with civil, structural, and protection and control disciplines to maintain design integration and schedule

•     Interface directly with the utility client’s engineering and standards groups to ensure designs meet owner requirements

•     Support constructability reviews and interdiscipline design coordination meetings

•     Support development of scopes of work and technical specifications for subcontracted engineering packages

Qualifications

Required

•     5+ years of electrical engineering experience on utility T&D or substation capital projects

•     Experience working within an EPC or EPCM project delivery environment

•     Proficiency in electrical design and analysis software such as ETAP, SKM PowerTools, AutoCAD, or MicroStation

•     Demonstrated experience producing engineering deliverables for substation design, transmission line design, or distribution system engineering

•     Familiarity with applicable codes and standards including NESC, NEC, IEEE, and NERC

•     Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program

•     Must be able to work full-time on-site at the Oakland office

Preferred

•     Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering — strongly preferred; candidates holding an EIT and actively pursuing PE licensure will be considered

•     Direct experience on transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including substation construction or distribution system upgrades

•     Experience with protection and control (P&C) design, relay coordination, and control schematic development

•     Familiarity with California investor-owned utility design standards and interconnection requirements

•     Proficiency with BIM or 3D design platforms for substation design

Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for this engagement.

Salary: $125K–$170K DOE

Contract Duration: Open-ended engagement aligned with project scope; extensions anticipated based on project needs.

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on all contributions; reimbursement account; and paid time off (PTO). No waiting period — benefits eligibility and all accrual items begin on your first day.

Additional Benefits: Discount program covering memberships, hotels, travel, concerts, electronics, and more. Opportunities for professional development and career growth. Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Location: On-site at the Oakland, CA office. Relocation required if not a commutable distance from Oakland.

Why Join Us?

At Innovation Consulting LLC, you will be part of a team that believes in building a better world — starting with the people who make it possible. You will play a meaningful role in our commitment to emotional intelligence, efficiency, and innovation, delivering positive outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.

We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. At IC, you will have real opportunities to grow with a company that values diversity, ethical leadership, and sustainability — making a genuine impact through an innovative and collaborative culture.

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.