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Power Distribution Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... America's power generation and power distribution companies. Wood currently has exciting ... Engineering of distribution electrical projects through the entire project lifecycle: from ...

... America's power generation and power distribution companies. Wood currently has exciting ... Engineering of distribution electrical projects through the entire project lifecycle: from ...

... ensuring seamless power distribution across servers and storage platforms. * Master System ... A BSEE or MSEE in Electrical Engineering ; we are looking for senior-level technical mastery in ...

Distribution Engineer IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients ... Overview TRC is hiring Distribution Engineers for our San Diego, CA team. We are open to candidates ...

Distribution Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Overview ENERCON's Power Delivery group is seeking an experienced Distribution Engineer to join our growing team. From reviewing design products to providing technical guidance and leadership, you ...

Be Seen First

Work closely with sales, engineering, procurement, logistics, and factory teams * Assist management ... Low Voltage Distribution Equipment * Electrical Power Distribution * Industrial Electrical ...

Distribution Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $108K/yr

From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients ... Responsible for distribution design and engineering in client's geographic information systems (GIS ...

The Power Center of Excellence team's mission is to ensure that the power distribution and ... Responsibilities include utilizing engineering tools and processes to successfully develop power ...

Distribution Engineer III/IV

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Distribution Engineer III/IV - San Diego, CA (Hybrid 4x in office /1x remote) At NV5, we are a team ... Join us in embracing innovative solutions that drive efficiency and resilience in Power Delivery.

Distribution Engineer III/IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Overview Distribution Engineer III/IV - San Diego, CA (Hybrid 4x in office /1x remote) At NV5, we ... Join us in embracing innovative solutions that drive efficiency and resilience in Power Delivery.

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Showing results 1-20

Power Distribution Engineer information

See California salary details

$79K

$111.6K

$140.6K

How much do power distribution engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for power distribution engineer in California is $111,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $125,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Power distribution engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in senior positions or specialized consulting. High compensation often correlates with working in large utilities, energy companies, or in roles requiring expertise in grid infrastructure, project management, and regulatory compliance.

What Does a Power Distribution Engineer Do?

As a power distribution engineer, your primary responsibilities involve the design and maintenance of electrical distribution systems. Your duties include developing site electrical procedures, providing technical guidance for wiring systems, overseeing an electrical system operation from start to finish, ensuring applications meet regulation standards, and providing technical support to various personnel. You typically also develop project timelines and programming reports, estimate costs, define testing criteria, and help implement new engineering methods. You also interface with vendors, utility companies, consultants, and external contractors to oversee installations and equipment maintenance.

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

AspectPower Distribution EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining electrical distribution systems, fieldwork, substation workAnalyzing and optimizing entire power systems, simulations, planning
Industry UsageUtilities, construction, infrastructure projectsUtilities, consulting firms, power generation companies

Power Distribution Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable power delivery at the local level. Power Systems Engineers work on the broader power grid, analyzing and optimizing entire electrical networks. While both roles require similar credentials and often work within the utility industry, their scope and daily tasks differ significantly.

What do power distribution engineers do?

Power distribution engineers design, analyze, and oversee the installation and maintenance of electrical systems that distribute electricity from substations to consumers. They ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of power distribution networks, often using specialized software and adhering to industry standards. Their work involves coordinating with utility companies, conducting system testing, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Power distribution engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles or specialized fields like petroleum or software engineering. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large companies may approach or exceed this level, especially with bonuses and stock options included.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Power distribution engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or specialized industries can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such high earnings are typically associated with senior positions, managerial responsibilities, or consulting roles in the electrical engineering field. Entry-level or mid-career power distribution engineers usually earn significantly less than this amount.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Distribution Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Distribution Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and often a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborating with teams and addressing technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient power delivery within complex electrical networks.

What is a Power Distribution Engineer?

A Power Distribution Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving electrical distribution systems that deliver electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and industries. They ensure that the electrical infrastructure operates safely, efficiently, and reliably by planning network layouts, selecting appropriate equipment, and addressing any issues that arise. Power Distribution Engineers often work with utility companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards and codes. Their role is critical in supporting the growing demands on electrical grids and integrating new technologies such as renewable energy sources.

What are some typical challenges a Power Distribution Engineer faces when coordinating with utility companies and construction teams?

Power Distribution Engineers often navigate complex coordination between utility companies, construction teams, and local authorities to ensure projects stay on schedule and comply with safety standards. Challenges can include managing changes in project scope, resolving unexpected site conditions, and balancing multiple stakeholders' priorities. Effective communication, adaptability, and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements are essential to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful project delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Distribution Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Power Distribution Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Power Distribution Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Power Distribution Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Power Distribution Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Power Distribution Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Power Distribution Engineer jobs in CA? For Power Distribution Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution Engineer

Distribution Engineer

Wood Plc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 24 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

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