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Utility Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General maintenance repairs to hotel and trouble calls. Public area and guest room preventative maintenance. Basic troubleshooting skills required (electricity, plumbing, etc.) Wage Information: The ...

You'll translate customer and utility requirements into site plans and electrical designs, ensuring ... Collaborate with utilities, engineers, suppliers, and electrical contractors to finalize electrical ...

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Lead Plant Engineer provides technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the Plant Engineering and Utility Engineer teams in support of hospital operations, off-site facilities, and ...

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Lead Plant Engineer provides technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the Plant Engineering and Utility Engineer teams in support of hospital operations, offsite facilities, and ...

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Utility Engineer information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$95.5K

$164.8K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility 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 Does a Utility Engineer Do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require advanced technical knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or industries with high demand for expertise.

What are Utility Engineers?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

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

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

What do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. They analyze infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically includes field inspections and office planning.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Utility Engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Utility Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Utility Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Utility Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in CA? For Utility Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Utilities Engineer

Utilities Engineer

Public Utilities Commission

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

Full-time

Posted 17 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.
Join the Public Advocates Office, a leading voice for utility consumers.
Apply your leadership, technical, and analytical skills to promote utility safety and protect Californians.
Help advocate to ensure that electric and gas customers receive safe and reliable service. You will also apply your technical abilities and experience to assess long term gas planning including gas retirement pilot programs.
We are looking for candidates with the initiative and desire to make a difference in protecting Californians from the health, safety, and economic consequences of catastrophic events initiated by failures from aging utility infrastructure.
Join our team!
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This advertisement is listed specifically for Sacramento (LA, SF, SAC) location. All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.
  • Los Angeles location, please apply to JC# 521014
  • San Francisco location, please apply to JC# 521006
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.
  • UTILITIES ENGINEER
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-521010
Position #(s):
680-257-3518-XXX
Working Title:
Utilities Engineer
Classification:
UTILITIES ENGINEER $6,488.00 - $12,152.00
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Public Advocates Office/ Safety Branch/ Financial Impacts :
The Public Advocate's Office is the independent consumer advocate at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Public Advocate's Office's mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels and the state's environmental goals.
The Public Advocate's Office represents residential and small business ratepayer interests in Commission policy-making proceedings and processes (e.g. workshops, rulemakings, investigations, utility applications, hearings, advice letters, committee and stakeholder meetings, and other forums). These proceedings and processes set rates, rules, policies, and regulations.
Please visit www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov for more information on the Public Advocates Office.
The CPUC hires for diversity and encourages people with disabilities to apply for this position. Please follow the 'Special Testing Arrangements' noted in the UE Exam Bulletin for instructions on How to Apply.
Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
Special Requirements
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 and abilities to understand safety and risk management.
  • Describe your experience and abilities to exercise a high degree of initiative, independence, and resourcefulness in achieving team goals and objectives.
  • Describe your experience and abilities to write clearly, persuasively, and concisely, including the ability to identify issues and recommend effective courses of action.

  • 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: 7/10/2026
    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.
    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:
    Chris Parkes
    (415) 703-1975
    christopher.parkes@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.