Minimum Pay Rate: $167,960.00
Maximum Pay Rate: $222,435.20
Civil Service Status: Civil Service
Apply by Date: 10/02/2026
In support of our safe and reliable operation and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged and experienced Principal Electrical Engineer for providing engineering support and compliance oversight to the Balancing Authority (BA) and Transmission Operator (TOP) operations. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning & Reliability Services, this position has the responsibilities of providing technical expertise and operational support to new generation and transmission projects, from the development of Interconnection Agreements to the testing and commissioning of the projects, overseeing operations compliance with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria, performing summer assessment and Western Power Pool (WPP) data analysis, as well as providing mentoring and coaching to lower level engineers, for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the Bulk Electric System for SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC).
Provides technical, functional and/or consultative electrical engineering expertise and direction to core responsibilities, including major and the most complex problem resolution/project oversight assignments, by applying professional engineering standards in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.
There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:
Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:
Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:
Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.
Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.
Facilities Engineering and Projects
Reliability and Compliance
Safety policies, practices and procedures; theory, fundamentals and practices of motors, lighting, linear circuits, transient analysis, amplifiers, control logic, economics, and environmental qualifications; federal, state and local codes and regulations governing power plant and/or various building types, including critical and non-critical such as Data Centers, Power & Control Centers, Central Plant facilities, and general office buildings engineering, operations and safety; operating and construction maintenance procedures; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; fundamentals and practices for contract management; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.
Provide designs for all relevant safety and environmental qualifications and electrical and control systems and components of power plants and/or various building types, including critical and non-critical such as Data Centers, Power & Control Centers, Central Plant facilities, and general office buildings; plan, oversee and review the work of others; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects; monitor and manage projects and assigned project personnel and groups; assess procedures/systems and develop/implement operational improvements; interpret, evaluate and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand and assess verbal/written information and ideas; prepare a business case to weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; 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.
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 will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. 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

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Today, SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030.
Learn more about what it's like to work at SMUD and see all available positions at smud.org/Careers.