Distribution Planning Utility Engineer

Overview

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Join to apply for the Distribution Planning Utility Engineer role at California Public Utilities Commission.

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Pay and Benefits

This range is provided by California Public Utilities Commission. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range : $6,488.00 - $12,152.00

Equity and equal opportunity : The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, and sexual orientation. The State maintains a drug-free workplace objective. New state candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or the minimum of the applicable range. See CalHR PLP details for pay differential information. Position details : Job Code JC-495339; 680-328-3518-008; Working Title : Distribution Planning Utility Engineer; Classification : UTILITIES ENGINEER.

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

Job Details

Number of Positions : 1. Work Location : Los Angeles County. Telework : Hybrid. Job Type : Permanent, Full Time. Department Information : Energy Division / Distribution Planning Branch / Grid Planning, Energy Storage and Non-Wires Alternatives Section. This role supports California's clean energy goals and grid modernization efforts.

Department notes : We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. See the Energy Division recruitment page for opportunities. Federal workers and California residents are welcome to apply. Department website : http : / / www.cpuc.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

Eligibility : If you are new to state service or need eligibility, follow the examination bulletin and instructions on "How to apply." The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Virtual interviews may be offered; in-person interviews may be conducted when feasible.

We are looking for a Utilities Engineer to join a mission-driven team. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and implementing policy for distribution grid planning, energy storage, and grid modernization, helping prepare the grid for high electrification, clean energy, and DER integration.

What You'll Do

Under the general direction of the Project and Program Supervisor, the Utilities Engineer will :

• Support and lead development of work products that inform high-level decision-makers, including Commissioners, Administrative Law Judges, and Energy Division leadership.
• Oversee utility distribution planning, including load forecasting, DER growth modeling, and electrification impact analysis.
• Lead or support analysis and implementation of distributed energy resource integration, smart inverters, non-wires alternatives, and grid modernization strategies.
• Provide technical leadership in CPUC proceedings and collaborate with external stakeholders such as the California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
• Manage technical contractors and support research into future distribution system operations.
• Analyze utility filings, develop policy recommendations, and contribute to staff proposals in CPUC rulemakings.
• Conduct original engineering and policy research to evaluate grid needs and DER solutions to help meet California's climate and energy targets.

Who You Are

We're seeking creative, technically skilled, and solutions-oriented engineers who thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate will :

Why Join Us

If you're passionate about clean energy, grid modernization, and environmental sustainability, and want to apply your engineering expertise to public service, we encourage you to apply!

Please note : your STD 678 (application form) will be used to determine qualifications to meet minimum qualification requirements; resumes are optional. Please describe all experience related to public utilities and / or transportation in economics, finance, or policy in the STD 678 fields, with years and months of service. Failure to do so may result in not qualifying for minimum qualifications. Additional job information is available in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

Prepare and submit a response for each SOQ question. The SOQ should be responsive and provide details and examples demonstrating qualifications. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages. The SOQ will be evaluated using standardized criteria. Competitive applicants will be invited to interview.

Apply through CalCareer : www.jobs.ca.gov. Electronic applications are preferred and processed faster. If using education to meet qualifications, submit transcripts or diploma; official transcripts required prior to appointment. Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Documentation requirements for STD 678 apply. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. This job may be used to fill subsequent vacancies per CCR 249.3.

Minimum Qualifications and Application Details

Final Filing Date : 10 / 24 / 2025. Who May Apply : current employees, eligible for transfer, SROA / Surplus candidates, and others as listed. Applications are screened and only the most qualified will be selected for interview. Instructions for applying are provided above.

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