What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Electric Utility Engineer position at City of Santa Clara, CA?

Salary : $207,996.72 - $269,168.88 Annually

Location : Santa Clara, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 03-25-145

Department : Electric Utility

Opening Date : 01 / 29 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 26 / 2025 4 : 00 PM Pacific

FLSA : Exempt

Bargaining Unit : 9

Weighting Plan : 100% Oral Exam

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 professionals for four (4) vacant unclassified management positions of Principal Electric Utility Engineer in various divisions under our Customer Development and Project Management groups.

System Expansion Capital Projects

This position will have the opportunity to work on complex and exciting large capital system expansion improvement projects in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. This position will be responsible for managing four large system expansion projects moving forward to bid and construction, totaling an estimated cost of $420 million. This position will oversee engineering consultants, Program Management consultants, and construction of 3 receiving station projects and one 2.25-mile 115kV transmission line project. As such, the ideal candidate will have large substation or receiving station project experience and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. The candidate will show proven problem-solving skills and excellent communication.

System Planning and Asset Management

This position will lead the System Planning & Asset Management team that will include Transmission Planning, Distribution Planning, and Asset Management. This position will be responsible for load forecasting, transmission and distribution system modeling and design, operations modeling support, and asset management. System planning will include the participation in the yearly California Energy Commission (CEC) IEPR load forecasting process, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Transmission Planning Process (TPP), and the management of Western Electric Coordination Council (WECC) Transmission Planning (TP), Distribution Planning (DP), Transmission Owner (TO), Transmission Operator (TOP), Distribution Planning (DP), and Load Serving Entity (LSE) registration responsibilities. Operations support will include assisting SVP's control center with electric clearance switch plan studies at both distribution and transmission system. As such, the ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of how the electric system works, including transmission, distribution, and substation systems and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. The candidate must have proven problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills.

Engineering Division and CIP projects

The first 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.

The second position will lead the Capital Improvement Project group. This position will be responsible for performing and managing the work related to implementation of a portfolio of projects that can include new substations, transmission lines, and distribution systems to ensure the projects are delivered within schedule, scope and budget. This position will manage various consultants and work with business services group for procurement and onboarding consulting firms and contractors to support CIP projects. This position will create or update existing project management processes as necessary and will engage in collaboration and change management with other internal and external teams. This position will work in a cross-functional and cross-organizational environment including various consultants, contractors and developer team. The candidates should have extensive experience in the implementation and project management of high voltage electric utility projects.

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 Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Wednesday, February 26, 2025 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 $207,996.72 - $269,168.88. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Typical Duties

Follow this link 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

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #9

Miscellaneous Unclassified Management

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #9 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.

Retirement :

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Classic Employees : 2.7% @ age 55 formula -employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly

New Employees : 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay

Medicare and Social Security (FICA)

Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance :

The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee 2 or More Dependents plan

Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis

No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution

To be eligible for the City's contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage

Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Employees hired on or after 1 / 1 / 2023 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250 / month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance :

Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory

City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee

Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Vision Insurance :

Choice of two VSP plans

City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee

Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) :

City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account

Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance :

City pays for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage

Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and / or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI) :

Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)

7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries / illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL) :

Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child

No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance :

Benefit is 60% of basic wage up to $13,333; max $8,000 / month

City paid benefit. City pays $.207 / $100 of insured earnings

60 calendar day waiting period

Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation :

Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions

Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules

Additionally, the City contributes $300 a month toward employee's 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan) :

Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account

Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account

Employee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation :

Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service

For 1 - 4 years of service : 10 days (80 hours) / year

For 5 - 9 years of service : 15 days (120 hours) / year

For 10 - 15 years of service : 21 days (168 hours) / year

For 16 - 20 years of service : 22 days (176 hours) / year

For 21 years of service : 24 days (192 hours) / year

Maximum accrual is 480 hours

Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 80 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out in up to two cash-outs the following calendar year

Sick Leave :

Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual

Up to 48 hours / year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness

Up to 32 hours / year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave

Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)

Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service

Management Leave :

120 hours of management leave credited to employees each January 1st

New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 120 hours of management leave their first year

New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 60 hours of management leave their first year

Unused management leave may be carried over from one calendar year to the next; however, an employee may never have more than 180 hours of "banked" management leave

Holidays :

Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12 / 25 to 1 / 1 of following year)

Mobile Communication Device Allowance :

80 / month in lieu of carrying a City-issued cell phone

Auto Allowance (an alternative to mileage reimbursement or use of a City vehicle) :

Department Heads receive $320 / month (up to $520, with City Manager approval). Assistant Department Heads and Division Managers can receive $200 / month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval)

Tuition Reimbursement Program :

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program :

Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year

City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program :

Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.

Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to$425 / month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)

After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254 / month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)

Alternate Work Schedule :

An employee shall be eligible to work a 9 / 80 alternate work schedule according to the conditions, criteria, and requirements set forth in City Manager's Directive 71. Requests to work a 9 / 80 schedule shall be made through or by the Department Head to the City Manager. The City Manager must approve the schedule and the City Manager or Department Head (for employees other than Department Heads) may terminate the schedule at any time.

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?

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.

I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

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

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.

Please indicate which position you are interested in. Check all that apply.

Principal Engineer - System Expansion Capital Projects

Principal Engineer - System Planning

Principal Engineer - Engineering

Principal Engineer - Capital Improvement Projects (all 4 positions)

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.

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

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

Required Question

Salary : $207,997 - $269,169

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