Telecommunication Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $131,248.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $173,888.00
Civil Service Status: Civil Service
Apply by Date: 07/22/2026
Posting Type: Open
SMUD's Operational-Technology-Network-Engineering (OTNE) department is seeking an Electrical Engineer to work in the Telecommunications Engineering team. The OTNE department specializes in providing high-reliability communication systems and services that are needed to operate the power grid.
Purpose
Provides specialized technical and engineering support in a variety of telecommunication areas including the plan, design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of SMUD's telecommunication infrastructure to ensure telecommunications systems are reliable, accessible, and meet the needs of business units.
Nature and Scope
This classification is comprised of two levels: Level "E" is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level "J" upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, develops and maintains telecommunication networks and systems by offering technical and engineering support; defines functional and system requirements; develops design criteria to meet current arid future needs; supports installation, operation and maintenance of networks and systems; develops testing criteria; provides technical and engineering consultation and solutions.
• Analyzes the need for new telecommunication systems, upgrades, expansions and modifications by evaluating the effectiveness of the current systems; conducts feasibility studies; determines current and long-range capability by analyzing loadings, performance levels, and responsiveness to operational and transient conditions; evaluates current technologies; conducts cost analysis; defines system requirements; designs modifications; supports installations; develops testing scenarios; conducts post-implementation reviews.
• Supports SMUD's telecommunication goals and direction while continually enhancing the reliability and productivity of the telecommunication systems and networks.
• Supports the overall effectiveness of the use of telecommunication networks and systems by its users by offering technical and engineering support and user training on telecommunication systems; provides technical consultation to business units; troubleshoots user obstacles; establishes training needs; conducts training; responds to user need requests; provides emergency support to operating systems.
• Plans, coordinates, prioritizates and monitors work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervision where solutions are not readily achievable.
• Participates in assigned tasks of a work unit in order to meet defined unit goals and schedules and comply with SMUD schedule, quality, quantity, safety and performance standards.
• Assists in administering the department budget by participating in planning, monitoring and revising schedules, work plans, expenditures and assignments.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Education

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in electrical engineering or a related field.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three or more (3+) years of relevant work experience in planning, designing, installing and supporting telecommunication networks and systems.

Knowledge Of
Basic theory and engineering design principles; operational characteristics of a variety of telecommunications systems and specialized technology; basic telecommunications operating procedures and equipment requirements; basic data processing systems and communications; computer programming concepts and techniques; computer and network operating systems; computer based control and data acquisition systems; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Skills To
Perform routine engineering design and testing tasks; basic principles and concepts of data management; learn electrical standards, codes, and ordinances; learn maintenance practices and testing methods; learn electrical safety; learn SMUD policies and procedures; prepare reports on specialized telecommunications subjects; learn to read, understand and develop documents and drawings covering telecommunication systems; maintain good public relations with manufacturers, contractors, and government agencies; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; communicate effectively both orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work internally/externally.
Desirable Qualifications

• Four or more (4+) years of related experience
• Knowledge and experience with land mobile radio and voice dispatch systems.
• Knowledge and experience with physical security, cameras, and access control systems.
• Knowledge and experience in ordering circuits from service providers (AT&T, Verizon).
• Knowledge and experience with point-to-point microwave radio data systems.
• Knowledge and experience with link budgets, radio propagation, and the FCC licensing process.
• Knowledge and experience with planning, constructing, and managing outside pant (OSP) fiber optic cable systems.
• Knowledge of electronics, DC power systems, IP-networks (switching, routing, security), SCADA systems, physical security systems, video surveillance systems, operating test equipment, testing and troubleshooting of communication systems.
• Knowledge of drafting software (AutoCAD), drawing control systems, project management, writing technical specifications, procurement processes, and how to write clear and unambiguous work instructions.
• Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California is desired.

Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
Why Sacramento, California?
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.
On-Site Work
This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.
CalPERS
SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.
SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Req ID: 3027