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Electrical Engineer Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Coordinates with electrical utilities representatives for new or upsized electrical services to ... Provide electrical engineering support to company field electricians. Reviews equipment and ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Coordinates with electrical utilities representatives for new or upsized electrical services to ... Provide electrical engineering support to company field electricians. Reviews equipment and ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Coordinates with electrical utilities representatives for new or upsized electrical services to ... Provide electrical engineering support to company field electricians. Reviews equipment and ...

Electrical Engineer / Electrical Specialist Facilities Engineering - Manufacturing Plant Position ... Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and utility providers on electrical work and service ...

Electrical Engineer / Electrical Specialist Facilities Engineering - Manufacturing Plant Position ... Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and utility providers on electrical work and service ...

Specification, procurement, and installation of large MVA electrical utility systems ... S. in Electrical Engineering or related power utility engineering discipline or at least 10 years ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Mather, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

The Senior Electrical Engineer is responsible for the engineering of complex, standard, and non ... Knowledge of NEC, NESC, IEEE, ANSI, utility, and local codes and standards * Ability to evaluate ...

Interface with utilities for new service applications, upgrades, and interconnection requirements. * Support design of critical systems such as central plants, cogeneration, PV/BESS systems, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Electrical Engineer Utility information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.6K

$165.8K

How much do electrical engineer utility jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical engineer utility 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 does an electrical engineer utility do?

An Electrical Engineer Utility is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving electrical systems within utility companies, such as those that provide electricity to homes and businesses. Their work includes overseeing power generation, transmission, and distribution networks to ensure reliable and efficient electricity delivery. They may also troubleshoot system issues, develop new technologies for energy efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration with other engineers, field technicians, and regulatory agencies is common in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical engineer utility?

To thrive as an Electrical Engineer in the utility sector, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and grid infrastructure, generally supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, ETAP, or SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of relevant codes and regulations, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex challenges. These competencies ensure reliable power delivery, system safety, and regulatory compliance in a critical infrastructure environment.

What are some typical challenges electrical engineers face when working in the utility sector?

Electrical Engineers in the utility sector often encounter challenges such as maintaining system reliability while integrating new technologies like renewable energy sources and smart grids. They must also navigate complex regulatory requirements and ensure safety protocols are rigorously followed. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—such as operations, maintenance, and IT—is common, requiring strong communication skills. Additionally, responding to unexpected outages or emergencies can require quick thinking and adaptability.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Utility vs Electrical Engineer Power Generation?

AspectElectrical Engineer UtilityElectrical Engineer Power Generation
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentUtility companies, substations, transmission linesPower plants, renewable energy sites, generation facilities
Industry UsageElectric utility industry, transmission and distributionPower generation sector, renewable and conventional plants
Common Search/ComparisonElectrical Engineer Utility vs Electrical Engineer Power Generation

Electrical Engineer Utility focuses on the transmission and distribution of electricity within utility companies, working on substations and grid infrastructure. Electrical Engineer Power Generation specializes in designing and maintaining power plants, including renewable and conventional energy sources. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and industry focus differ significantly.

What is electrical engineer utility engineering?

Electrical engineer utility engineering involves designing, maintaining, and improving electrical systems for utility companies that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. These engineers work on power grid infrastructure, substations, and transmission lines, often using specialized software and adhering to safety standards. They typically require knowledge of power systems, electrical codes, and may hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE).
Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Utility job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 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.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Electrical Engineer uses skills as a seasoned, experienced engineering professional to operate independently in a professional specialized engineering phase of major construction projects, performs design engineering work for projects of limited scope, and / or improves design of physical plant engineering systems. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
Under the general direction and guidance of the Associate Director, the Electrical Engineer has primary responsibility for the design, monitoring and troubleshooting for all assigned new construction, alteration projects and electrical distribution work for Facilities Services and campus wide. H/She is responsible for independently performing project plan and specification reviews for both new and retrofit projects. This position is also responsible for the design, review and troubleshooting of all facets of electrical distribution systems and equipment, energy management, utility systems, steam plant and other related electrical work. Works in coordination with various departments and engineering specialties to achieve goals on-time within budget for large and small projects.
Department Description :
The UCSF Facilities Services Department (FS) is committed to creating an exceptional campus physical environment to support the research, teaching, health care and community service mission of the University. FS employs over 400 professional staff and acts as steward for over $90 million in operating funds to achieve its goals in operating and maintaining the UCSF campus environment. Located in the Campus Life Services (CLS) organization, FS is organized into five distinct units: (1) Mission Bay / East Campus Operations, (2) Parnassus / West Campus Operations, (3) Infrastructure & Utilities Services, (4) Customer Service & Technology, and (5) Strategic Organization Development.
FS participates in system-wide Principles of Community and all FS leaders are expected to create a fair, equitable, safe and supportive work environment, where everyone can do their best work. FS leaders share accountability for the overall success of the operation, and strive towards a high performance work environment. We value innovation, creative problem solving, and diligent follow-through.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications :
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related area and three-five (3-5) years of related experience or equivalent experience/training.
  • Professional engineering license required.
  • Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to manage competing priorities.
  • Ability to lead and influence others.
  • Strong project management skills needed to ensure high quality and timely completion of design and construction projects.
  • Develop system drawings such as one-lines, block diagrams, layout drawings, electrical schematics, interconnection drawings for electrical systems.
  • Proficient using CAD tools, and AutoCAD (electrical).
  • Knowledge of high voltage systems specifications and performing electrical calculations
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Thorough knowledge associated with independently performing the full range of engineering professional work.
  • Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions.
  • Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications :
  • LEED AP
  • Knowledge in PLC, HMI systems and motor drive systems such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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