Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Pending HR approval

Training & Development Assignment may be considered for this position

Under the supervision of the Program and Project Supervisor of the Grid Innovation Unit, the Utilities Engineer (UE) supports interdisciplinary teams focused on the development and deployment of technologies for the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Energy Research & Development Division’s (ERDD) research, development, demonstration, and deployment programs related to advanced transmission technologies including high performance conductors, dynamic line rating, and other grid enhancing technologies. At the entry-level, first working or journey level of professional engineering work, the UE performs mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering work in the evaluation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of emerging energy technologies designed to improve the operations of the electricity grid or to assist in the integration of higher concentrations of renewables and distributed energy resources. Conducts investigations and prepares reports involving engineering economics work which includes studies of capital costs, financial structure, depreciation, physical plant inspections, valuations, revenues, and expenses as they pertain to the ensuring the reliability, resiliency and safety of the electric grid. Manages research projects that may include advanced transmission technologies and other evolving technologies that may support grid decarbonization and reliability. The UE may also manage projects that address the future needs of the electric grid and oversee efforts to evaluate and develop solutions that will support reaching a carbon neutral system by 2045. The incumbent helps the CEC complete time critical research that will help ensure the future energy systems are affordable, clean, reliable, equitable and safe.

The ERDD deploys over $300 million annually to advance technology innovation and research supporting the state’s clean energy and climate goals, including in the areas of renewable energy supply, building and industrial decarbonization, sustainable transportation, energy storage, energy distribution, resilience and reliability, and carbon management.  The Energy Systems & Transportation Branch prioritizes research to enable a clean and reliable energy system through new and emerging technologies to integrate distributed energy resources (e.g., onsite energy storage, clean distributed generation, and electric vehicle technologies) into the grid and the advancement of methods, tools, and technologies to support electricity grid modernization.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs):  The MQs for this classification can be found at . The documents you submit in your application package must highlight how you meet the MQs. If the MQs are not met, you will not be considered for this position.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey at .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities. Beginning July 1, 2025, employees may be required to work in-person four days per week under the Energy Commission's telework policy currently under development as required by Executive Order N-22-25 and current CalHR guidance. CEC will review requests for exemptions on a case-by-case basis, with consideration to operational needs and the benefits of in-person interaction. Teleworking is only available for employees who reside in California. You must be located in California and provide your in-state address prior to your start date. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to successful performance. Occasional travel may be required based on the needs of the division.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Special Requirements

1) How you are eligible (list eligibility, transfer within state service, reinstatement, SROA/surplus, etc.) in the Explanations box on the first page of the STD. 678.

2) The Job Control number 474544 and the title of the position you are applying for in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) box on the first page of the STD. 678.

3) Request for Personnel Action Number 330-290 in the Explanations box of the STD. 678.

4) Your original signature at the bottom of the first page of the STD. 678.

5) Include unofficial school transcripts with your application package if the position you are applying for has an educational requirement. You may be required to provide official transcripts if hired.

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:

1. Knowledge of engineering fundamentals, terminology, and economics as it pertains to the electric grid and transmission technologies.
2. Technical engineering experience and knowledge of utility safety and reliability, specifically in the area of transmission infrastructure and technologies.
3. Knowledge of trends, issues, State and Federal requirements, and basic court decisions affecting public utilities.
4. Possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work within a diverse team environment.
5. Ability to conduct engineering, economic, regulatory, and policy analysis of emerging technologies and solutions.
6. Ability to evaluate data and develop alternatives or recommendation based on findings.
7. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work activities, and deliver high-quality, timely work products.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and prepare clear, concise, complete, and technically accurate reports, presentations, and correspondence.
9. Ability to review and communicate complicated information in a simple, consumer-friendly manner.
10. Experience working with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and other applications.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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 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.
• Other -

  Cover Letter – Include a cover letter of no more than one page in length outlining your qualifications and interest in this position

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Second job, Remote job,

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