Utility Operation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $131,248.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $173,888.00
Civil Service Status: Civil Service
Apply by Date: 10/02/2026
SMUD's Power operations engineering (POE) team in Transmission planning and operations (TP&O) division is seeking an operations engineer to ensure the safe, reliable, secure, and compliant operations of the transmission system for SMUD and the BANC Balancing Authority Area in accordance with the FERC approved NERC and WECC Reliability Standards. Power operations engineering team provides real-time engineering and Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations support for successful operation of SMUD/BANC. Successful candidate may support tasks in both areas of the team function
Purpose
Performs specialized professional, technical and analytical functions in a variety of operational areas including generation, transmission and contractual resources to ensure the safe, reliable, secure, and compliant operations of the transmission and generation system for SMUD and the BANC Balancing Authority Area in accordance with the FERC approved NERC and WECC Reliability Standards.
Nature and Scope
This is the journey level (J) within the Power Operations Engineer classification series. Positions within this classification will demonstrate an ability to work on one's own with minimal oversight performing difficult and more complex work than the entry level (E). The journey level is distinguished from the senior level in that the latter requires a higher level of complexity, difficulty and level of tasks assigned, broader authority to draw conclusions, and advanced technical knowledge. Advancement to the senior level is done through a formal hiring process.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in assigned tasks of a work unit in order to meet defined unit goals and schedules and comply with SMUD's schedule, quality, quantity, safety and performance standards; supports work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; communicates with and participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervision where solutions are not readily achievable.
• Ensures system reliability of SMUD's bulk power system and the BANC Balancing Authority Area, and the delivery of adequate power to meet SMUD's power needs in a cost effective manner; supports maintaining system security and reliability and provides for the reliable delivery of power to the load center by monitoring and assessing the adequacy of the bulk power system and other utilities' transmission systems; assesses line loadings, voltage levels and system stability under various operating conditions, system contingencies and planned clearances; conducts transmission system reliability studies and studies using simulations; assesses the level of planning and operating reserves to assure adequate compliance with NERC and WECC requirements; conducts transmission contingency evaluation and power flow studies; and provides real-time energy imbalance market (EIM) operations support.
• Provides inter-utility and intra-utility support and ensures the implementation of SMUD's strategic business objectives; provides support for transmission and generation issues; prepares and maintains a current Standard Operating Procedure manual for power system operations; supports the development process for standard practices, procedures and guidelines for operating the bulk power system in compliance with interconnection agreements and NERC/WECC Reliability Standards.
• Ensures assigned work activities successfully contribute to the overall completion of department projects; conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedules as outlined in the project plan/contract.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in power operations engineering or transmission system planning.

Knowledge Of
Techniques and practices for negotiating; fundamentals and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; fundamentals and practices of program evaluation; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; fundamentals, practices and procedures related to power system operation, power system theory, thermal and hydroelectric generation and load management dispatch; systems and concepts related to economic operation of a power system; planning and design techniques; fundamentals related to short circuit evaluation, generator unit efficiency and capability characteristics; NERC/WECC Reliability criteria; AC/DC transmission systems; safety policies, practices and procedures; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.
Skills To
Serve as a technical resource on transmission and generation issues; maintain system security and reliability and provide for the reliable and cost-effective delivery of power; participate in the development process for standard practices, procedures and guidelines for operating the bulk power system; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
Desirable Qualifications

• Prior experience/knowledge with operational planning analysis, NERC/WECC reliability standards, California Independent system operator (CAISO), western energy imbalance market (WEIM) and Extended Day ahead market (EDAM)
• Knowledge of CAISO WEIM /EDAM systems and processes

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.
Hybrid Work
This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD's business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.
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: 3100