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Utilities Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peters is looking for a motivated Engineer to join our Utilities Department within Water Environment Services Group help maintain and improve the systems that keep our community thriving - from clean ...

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Project Engineer 2 Employment Type: Contract The Utility Engineer serves as a subject matter expert ... Clean steam and process utilities * Ensure systems meet regulatory and performance requirements ...

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Utilities Engineer information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$95.5K

$164.8K

How much do utilities engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for utilities engineer in California is $95,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by utilities engineers in maintaining infrastructure reliability?

Utilities Engineers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, fluctuating demand, and adherence to strict regulatory standards. They must proactively diagnose and address potential issues in systems like water, gas, or electrical networks to minimize service interruptions. Collaboration with operations teams and outside contractors is essential, as is staying updated on new technologies and safety protocols. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Utilities Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtilities EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineeringRequires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentWorks in power plants, water treatment facilities, or large industrial sitesWorks in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or HVAC systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in utilities, energy, and infrastructure sectorsCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, and HVAC industries
Job FocusFocuses on utility systems, infrastructure maintenance, and energy efficiencyFocuses on designing, analyzing, and maintaining mechanical systems

The main difference between Utilities Engineer and Mechanical Engineer lies in their work focus and environment. Utilities Engineers primarily work with utility systems in energy and infrastructure sectors, while Mechanical Engineers focus on mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different operational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utilities engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utilities Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, utilities systems design, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, SCADA systems, and industry-specific certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you coordinate with stakeholders and address operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility services in compliance with industry standards.

What is a utilities engineer?

Utilities Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining essential utility systems such as water, gas, electricity, and waste management. They ensure that these systems function efficiently and comply with safety and environmental regulations. Utilities Engineers may work for public utility companies, private firms, or government agencies, and their work is crucial for supporting infrastructure and public health. Their role often involves both fieldwork and office-based planning, troubleshooting, and project management.
What are popular job titles related to Utilities Engineer jobs in California? For Utilities Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Utilities Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Utilities Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Utilities Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,512 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)

Public Utilities Commission

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on "How to apply".
The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.
Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager - standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.
Under the general direction of a Program and Project Supervisor, the Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist) [SUE(Spec)] is responsible for exercising Commission oversight of wildfire safety matters concerning electric and communication facilities including, but not limited to, wildfire safety regulations and guidelines, and enforcement of the requirements of applicable Commission General Orders and Decisions. The SUE(Spec) serves in a staff and sometimes in a lead capacity.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This advertisement is listed specifically for San Francisco (SF, SAC) location. All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.
  • Sacramento location, please apply to JC# 525616
Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.
This position require travel.
This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525548
Position #(s):
680-447-3510-002
Working Title:
Senior Utilities Engineer (Specialist)
Classification:
SENIOR UTILITIES ENGINEER (SPECIALIST) $11,437.00 - $14,315.00
Effective July 1, 2025 , CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR's Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Francisco County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Safety & Enforcement Division/ Wildfire Safety & Enforcement Division:
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) Professional Engineer License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.
Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions:
  • Describe your experience in documenting findings and memorializing those findings in a written report.
  • Describe your experience in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the work of others.
  • Describe your experience in inspiring others to work intelligently and fostering cooperative relationships among team members.

  • For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.
    It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.jobs.ca.gov
    Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
    If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
    Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
    Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org
    Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.
    Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
    Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
    Application Instructions
    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
    Final Filing Date: 8/5/2026
    Who May Apply
    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
    How To Apply
    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
    Address for Mailing Application Packages
    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Attn: Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
    San Francisco , CA 94102
    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
    San Francisco , CA 94102
    Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
    Required Application Package Documents
    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is required and must be included.
    • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see "Special Requirements" for instructions.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
    Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
    • Experience planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the work of others.
    • Knowledge of Public Utilities Code as they pertain to the requirements of the division as noted in Public Utilities Code.
    • Experience in documenting findings and memorializing those findings in a written report.
    • Experience working independently or in a group within as well as outside of the organization.
    • Experience in consistently meeting deadlines and coordinate complex and expansive workload.
    • Familiarity creating and implementing project plans.

    Benefits
    Benefits Summary
    Contact Information
    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
    Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
    Human Resources Contact:
    Talent Acquisition Unit
    (916) 597-5683
    cpucrecruiter@cpuc.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Nathan Sarina
    (415) 471-4126
    Nathan.Sarina@cpuc.ca.gov
    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
    EEO Contact:
    Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
    (916) 894-5799
    ReasonableAccommodation@cpuc.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.