What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Electric Utility Engineer position at City of Santa Clara?
The Positions
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is seeking dynamic and innovative Senior Electric Utility Engineer candidates to immediately fill two (2) vacancies in the Customer Development and Project Management divisions, with potential future vacancies in these or other divisions. The ideal candidates will have electric utility engineering experience; excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communication skills; experience working in a team environment on major construction projects.
For The Engineering Division
This position will lead substation engineering and standards development that support the mission of the Utility. This individual should be an experienced, self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment. This position requires hands-on working knowledge of substation design and construction, and standards development. A working knowledge of protection and control systems, communication systems, project management, and Compliance is desirable. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of substation engineering concepts, principles, and practices to resolve complex problems with only general direction. This position supports day-to-day utility operations and Compliance.
For System Expansion Division
This position will support System Expansion Capital Projects and 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 working on four large system expansion projects moving forward to bid and construction, totaling an estimated cost of $440 million. This position requires hands-on work during construction of 3 receiving station projects and one 2.25-mile 115kV transmission line project. The position may also assist with outage management, construction and contracts management, material procurement and tracking, and easement acquisition. 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.
The Department
As a community owned, not for profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has provided dependable electric service for over 125 years. 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 significantly 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.
Today, SVP owns, operates and participates in more than 1,200 MW of electric generating resources and serves a peak load of approximately 700 MW. SVP's expansion plan will double our system capacity over the next ten years. This includes over 30 strategic initiatives in four distinct areas: Utility Performance Excellence, Customer Engagement and Satisfaction, Progress and Innovation Focus, and Community and Environmental Stewardship. High-profile customers include large corporations such as Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA.
Incumbents in these positions may be assigned to work in the operations, generation, transmission, planning, distribution, or substation groups of the Electric Utility Department as the need is determined.
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 Resume and completed supplemental questionnaire. Cover letters are encouraged. 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 November 25, 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 $196,841.40 - $251,163.60. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
Education And Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with: a) Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and three (3) years experience in electric utility engineering work or b) a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years experience doing electric utility engineering work or ten (10) years experience doing electric utility engineering work and satisfactory completion of a qualifying written examination. A Master's Degree in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience (proof of receipt of an Engineer In Training certificate may be substituted for the qualifying written examination). Candidates from a non accredited college or university must demonstrate equivalency. Registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California may be substituted for accreditation equivalency.
LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Driver's license.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
May work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as duty supervisor outside regular working hours, or at other than regular job site.
SCOPE OF EXAMINATION FOR QUALIFYING EXAMINATION (if necessary) Fundamentals of engineering and science. Mathematics including algebra, geometry, complex numbers, trigonometry, calculus; electrical theory (alternating and direct current), statics, dynamics, thermodynamics and economic analysis.
Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.
Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is seeking dynamic and innovative Senior Electric Utility Engineer candidates to immediately fill two (2) vacancies in the Customer Development and Project Management divisions, with potential future vacancies in these or other divisions. The ideal candidates will have electric utility engineering experience; excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communication skills; experience working in a team environment on major construction projects.
For The Engineering Division
This position will lead substation engineering and standards development that support the mission of the Utility. This individual should be an experienced, self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment. This position requires hands-on working knowledge of substation design and construction, and standards development. A working knowledge of protection and control systems, communication systems, project management, and Compliance is desirable. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of substation engineering concepts, principles, and practices to resolve complex problems with only general direction. This position supports day-to-day utility operations and Compliance.
For System Expansion Division
This position will support System Expansion Capital Projects and 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 working on four large system expansion projects moving forward to bid and construction, totaling an estimated cost of $440 million. This position requires hands-on work during construction of 3 receiving station projects and one 2.25-mile 115kV transmission line project. The position may also assist with outage management, construction and contracts management, material procurement and tracking, and easement acquisition. 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.
The Department
As a community owned, not for profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has provided dependable electric service for over 125 years. 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 significantly 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.
Today, SVP owns, operates and participates in more than 1,200 MW of electric generating resources and serves a peak load of approximately 700 MW. SVP's expansion plan will double our system capacity over the next ten years. This includes over 30 strategic initiatives in four distinct areas: Utility Performance Excellence, Customer Engagement and Satisfaction, Progress and Innovation Focus, and Community and Environmental Stewardship. High-profile customers include large corporations such as Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA.
Incumbents in these positions may be assigned to work in the operations, generation, transmission, planning, distribution, or substation groups of the Electric Utility Department as the need is determined.
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 Resume and completed supplemental questionnaire. Cover letters are encouraged. 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 November 25, 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 $196,841.40 - $251,163.60. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.
Education And Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with: a) Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and three (3) years experience in electric utility engineering work or b) a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years experience doing electric utility engineering work or ten (10) years experience doing electric utility engineering work and satisfactory completion of a qualifying written examination. A Master's Degree in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience (proof of receipt of an Engineer In Training certificate may be substituted for the qualifying written examination). Candidates from a non accredited college or university must demonstrate equivalency. Registration as a professional electrical, mechanical or civil engineer in the State of California may be substituted for accreditation equivalency.
LICENSE
Possession of a valid California Driver's license.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
May work unusual hours in emergency situations, or while acting as duty supervisor outside regular working hours, or at other than regular job site.
SCOPE OF EXAMINATION FOR QUALIFYING EXAMINATION (if necessary) Fundamentals of engineering and science. Mathematics including algebra, geometry, complex numbers, trigonometry, calculus; electrical theory (alternating and direct current), statics, dynamics, thermodynamics and economic analysis.
Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.
Salary : $196,841 - $251,164
