Electrical Engineer, Entry (Open until filled)

SMUD is a community-owned electric service provider advancing grid modernization and a carbon-neutral energy future for the Sacramento region. The Entry-Level Electrical Engineer will support the Distributed Energy Services team with engineering analysis, project tasks, and the integration of EV infrastructure and other distributed energy resources into the distribution system. The role includes supporting modeling, forecasting, site assessments, interconnection reviews, technical documentation, commissioning, and system safety and reliability analysis.

What you'll do:

• Assist in the modeling and analysis of EV infrastructure, distributed solar, battery storage, V2G/V2B, flexible load programs, and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) impacts on the grid. Support feeder and substation models, basic simulations, and hosting capacity assessments under guidance from more experienced engineers or supervisors
• Support EV adoption, DER growth, and load flexibility forecasting by compiling data and assisting in the analysis for system planning
• Support site assessments, equipment sizing, and service upgrade analysis for EV charging installations across all customer segments. Assist with documentation preparation, interconnection reviews, and commissioning procedures
• Assist with DER system interconnection applications, including gathering data, performing basic impact analysis, and supporting equipment rating reviews as part of the engineering team
• Assist in implementation and analysis of managed charging, demand response, and flexible load programs, including data collection and support with event and performance analysis
• Help maintain engineering standards, technical requirements, and assist in drafting engineering documents (service requirements, protection coordination, MOPs, commissioning plans) for TE & DER integration under the direction of more experienced engineers
• Support technical tasks at all project stages for TE & DER installations—including feasibility studies, design review, field verification, testing, and commissioning—while working collaboratively with project teams
• Support safety and reliability reviews for EV charging and DER installations and help communicate findings to the operations and maintenance team
• Assist in developing technical reports, studies, specifications, as-built documentation, and support maintaining accurate distribution models and interconnection/load data
• Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs

What they're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university
• One or more (1+) year of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction, and/or maintenance of electrical systems for various electric utility assets, or six or more (6+) months relevant SMUD internship experience
• Basic electrical theory and electrical engineering design fundamentals; computer aided drafting and design software (such as AutoCAD); basic fundamentals and practices involving the design, installation, operation, repair, and economic evaluation of electrical features; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing electrical codes and standards; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; perform routine and standard relay coordination studies; learn to prepare technical specifications; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings; learn to compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; learn to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally
• Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including customers and cross-functional teams
• Basic knowledge of EV charging systems, DER, and applicable codes and standards
• Ability to assist with site assessments, engineering documentation, and system commissioning
• Familiarity with utility operations and collaboration with planning, field crews, and customer programs
• Willingness to learn utility standards, regulations, and contribute to developing technical guidelines

Benefits:

• Hybrid work arrangement: required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis, with the approach subject to business needs.
• Eligible employees have access to a defined benefit pension plan through CalPERS, along with other valuable retirement and health benefits.