Senior Distribution Operations Engineer

Minimum Pay Rate: $156,000.00

Maximum Pay Rate: $206,606.40

Apply by Date: 08/03/2026

Posting Type: Open

The intent of this job posting is to fill one (1) regular, full-time position and establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill permanent or limited-term vacancies for the next two (2) years.

SMUD is currently looking to fill one regular, full-time position in Distribution Operations Engineering at the Senior Distribution Operations Engineer level. Under the supervision of the Supervising Principal Distribution Operations Engineer, this position will provide real-time engineering support for the safe and reliable operation of SMUD's distribution system. The ideal candidate will work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where they will also be responsible for the troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) and other operational tools. SMUD's ideal candidate for this position is a forward-thinking leader who has an extensive background in assessing the status SMUD's distribution system and can utilize advanced tools to help resolve adverse grid conditions to ensure that the system is operating in its optimal state. The selected candidate will provide engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (including on-call support). They will also perform detailed analysis of power quality data and recommend solutions to improve customer experience by resolving the customer's issues. The candidate will also review customer generation interconnection proposals to evaluate their operational impacts to the distribution system and evaluate system impacts from distributed energy resources like PV, energy storage, electric vehicles and demand response. The candidate will also support, configure and maintain real-time communication links to SMUD's Energy Management System (EMS) and maintain communication with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). The candidate will also support commissioning of new substation, generation and distribution automation devices while ensuring stable communications with the Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (D-SCADA). The ideal candidate will also be expected to act as a lead in all these areas and be able to train less experienced engineers to become proficient in these tasks.

Purpose

Provides real-time engineering support for the operation of the distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) and other operational tools.

Nature and Scope

Serves as a subject matter expert and a lead; works on one's own on projects of high complexity; exercises one's own judgment and discretion; guides, trains, motivates, develops and evaluates the work of the junior personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures that staff are trained and capable of meeting SMUD's performance expectations; assists in developing the required employee competencies by assessing employee skills and training needs, evaluating, selecting, and modifying training programs, developing and presenting technical training, arranging for and coordinating training conducted by others, facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge within the work group and with other work groups, and providing coaching and mentoring as needed.
• Utilizes distribution system modeling and analysis tools to determine optimum system configuration to maximize substation and circuit utilization. Obtains and analyzes system performance data to improve reliability, reduce losses and optimize the grid.
• Provides engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (includes an on-call rotation).
• Provide expert engineering guidance and oversight for power quality investigations. Perform detailed analysis of power quality data and recommend solution to improve customer experience and resolve complex power quality related problems.
• Leads review of customer generation interconnection proposals and evaluates operational impacts to the distribution system. Evaluates system impacts from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as customer sited PV, energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand response, under various deployment scenarios. Develops functional and technical requirements of DERs for grid management and optimization.
• Provides engineering and technical expertise to lead the support, troubleshooting, testing, and maintenance of ADMS and DERMS and advanced applications such as Fault Locations Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), Volt VAr Optimization (VVO), Distribution Power Flow (DPF) and State Estimation (SE), Feeder Reconfiguration (FR), Operator Training Simulator (OTS), Load Shed Restoration (LSR) and Switch Order Management (SOM). Helps to identify and resolve issues to maintain network model accuracy for both ADMS and DERMS.
• Configures and maintains real-time communication datalinks to Energy Management System (EMS) as well as develops and maintains imaging of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Terminal Servers. Supports lab testing, commissioning of new substations and monitoring, maintaining and troubleshooting issues, and day-to-day communication with Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (D-SCADA) and Distribution Automation devices. Tracks existing tickets, issues new tickets, and follows through on SLAs, to ensure full availability of D-SCADA. Orders new equipment and work with vendors for warranty support. Supports commissioning of substations, DERS sites and DA devices and develops one-line diagrams in ADMS/D-SCADA. Leads testing and validation of new communication hardware and software prior to operational deployment.
• Serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and represents Distribution Operations in internal and interdepartmental projects. Reviews and provides technical input to project proposals, applications, and product demonstrations. Ensures functionalities are in alignment with ADMS and DERMS.
• Deploys Operational Tools for Distribution Operations. Develops test plans and test procedures and lead test events to validate functionalities and contractual deliverables.
• Performs other related work as required.

Required Education

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

Required Experience Qualifications

• Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the planning and operation of electric utility distribution systems; assisting staff in support of real-time systems and operations.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) in the state of California.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

Methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; methods and techniques for training staff; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; techniques for exercising leadership and authority; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and practices for negotiating; principles and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; complex computer systems and resources; electronic records; database administration; principles, practices, and procedures related to power distribution systems; concepts and systems related to planning and operations of electric utility distribution system steady state and transient circuit analysis, electrical equipment design and application, grounding, protection and coordination; concepts and systems related to engineering analyses of reliability, power quality, root cause, and economic and systems data; computer-aided modeling and analysis; methods and equipment related to distribution system monitoring; theories and practices related to electric power system design; theories and practices related to electric distribution system planning; load data analysis and forecasting methodologies; performance management techniques related to project management; principles and practices for contract management; procedures and practices for cost control and project scheduling; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; governing codes, industry standards, and generally accepted utility practices utilized in distribution system design and operation; budgeting processes, techniques, and tools; computer-aided modeling and analysis; vegetation management techniques; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Identify and assess training needs for staff; interact with others to influence and motivate; interpret SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs, and/or other special agreements; oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; analyze complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; analyze procedures/systems and develop/implement operational improvements; analyze situations, documents, and data for conformance to established policies and procedures; apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action; determine the potential long-term outcomes of a change in operations; develop an estimation of how a system should work under ideal conditions; evaluate and resolve complex technical issues; interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; organize highly complex and conflicting data in a readily understandable manner for various audiences; prepare a business case to weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; serve as reference person for other employees; monitor and manage projects; perform complex technical engineering analysis and forecasting; use complex computer-aided modeling and analysis tools; write technical documents; assist in budget preparation and administration; perform engineering economic analysis; prepare conceptual designs and costs for major complex installations and reconstruction jobs; perform complex analysis of distribution system and facilities; 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

• Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer with the state of California.
• Experience with Data Analytics, SQL, and Python.
• Understand SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs, and other special agreements.
• Understand the interrelationships between SMUD's operations and relevant external entities.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.