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Principal Electric Utility Engineer

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Principal Electric Utility Engineer

Salary

$214,236.60 - $277,243.92 Annually

Location

Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

01-26-145

Department

Electric Utility

Opening Date

01/08/2026

Closing Date

2/6/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

9E

Weighting Plan

100% Oral Exam

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

The Department:

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is a not-for-profit electric municipal utility of Santa Clara, CA, serving residents and businesses for over 120 years. SVP provides power to nearly 55,000 customers, at rates 25 to 48 percent below neighboring communities. SVP is the only full service, vertically integrated publicly owned utility in Silicon Valley owning generation, transmission and distribution assets. As a Public Electric Utility, Santa Clara’s Silicon Valley Power is not driven by profits, as reflected in its significant lower utility rates when compared to other private sector utilities. Silicon Valley Power is community and policy driven, which is reflected in the many green policies that it promotes, reduced rates and its strategic plan. Silicon Valley Power is one of few public electric utilities in California with an upward trajectory of growth. In 2017, Silicon Valley Power also achieved 36% renewable and 72% HGH free energy and, since January 2018, Silicon Valley Power has been delivering GHG-free energy to all residential customers. All this was accomplished while maintaining the lowest electricity rates in Santa Clara County.

The Position:

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is seeking a dynamic, engaging, and highly qualified professional for one vacant unclassified management position of Principal Electric Utility Engineer in the Engineering division under our Customer Development and Project Management groups.

Engineering Division

This position will lead an engineering team that will include substation engineering, Transmission system engineering, and distribution system engineering. This position will be responsible for performing and managing the design of substation and transmission line projects from conception through construction and commissioning. This position will develop standards, specifications, engineering studies, calculations, evaluations, design documents associated with the planning, design, construction and maintenance of SVP substations, Transmission system, distribution system and other utility facilities. The candidates must have extensive experience in High Voltage Substation and Transmission line design, plan, standard and specification preparation. The candidates must have proven problem solving skills and excellent communication skills.

As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at-will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a **1) Resume and, 2) Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.** **Incomplete applications will not be considered.**

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of **Friday, February 6, 2026,** at **4:00 PM.**

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.** **MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $214,236.60 - $277,243.92. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Typical Duties

Follow this link (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofsantaclaraca/classspecs/1114724) to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

+ Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other related field of engineering

Minimum Experience Requirements:

+ Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work

+ Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California

Acceptable Substitution:

+ A Master's Degree in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering, or business or public administration from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience

License/Certifications:

+ Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is required

+ Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for duration of employment

Other Requirements:

+ Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

+ May be required to work unusual hours in emergency situations

+ Required to pass initial and periodic comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprinting, to meet Federal, State, and /or industry security requirements

TBD

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question completely, and in your own words (without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Microsoft AI, or any other AI tool), and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please select the option below that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for Principal Electric Utility Engineer.

+ I possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical, civil, or other related engineering field AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work. • Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California AND attach proof to your application.

+ I possess a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, OR business or public administration AND possess four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in electric utility engineering work. • Candidates from a non-accredited college or university must demonstrate educational equivalency by registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California AND attach proof to your application.

+ I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

03

Please describe how your education and/or experience meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

04

Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is required. Do you meet this requirement? Please attach proof to your application.

+ I possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.

+ I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

05

Briefly describe your experience in designing, performing, and managing work related to Substation and Transmission line design, plan, standard and specification preparation, cost estimation and schedule preparation.

06

Please describe your experience with high voltage electric transmission, substations, or receiving stations. Include years of experience and roles.

07

Please describe your experience with Transmission and Distribution system planning, load forecasting and preparing Planning Packages.

Required Question

Employer

City of Santa Clara

Address

1500 Warburton Ave.

Santa Clara, California, 95050

Phone

408-615-2080

Website

http://www.santaclaraca.gov

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