Senior Electric Utility Engineer

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.

The Positions

SVP is seeking dynamic and innovative Senior Electric Utility Engineer candidates to fill three (3) vacancies in the Utility Operations division and Customer Development and Project Management division.

The ideal candidate 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 Operations Division :

This position will support SVP’s Electric Control Center (ECC) in the operations horizon (0 to 1 year). This will include running models for contingency analysis and reliability analysis of the transmission system.

This position has the responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System and the Sub transmission system.

This position is responsible for complying with the NERC Certification at the highest level of (Transmission Operator -TOP), reviewing clearance requests, and coordinating with PG&E’s transmission operations group.

Other duties include preparing the yearly Summer Operating Assessment, leading operations engineering studies, collaborating with SVP’s Electric Transmission Planning, substation, T&D, and engineering departments, including coordinating with RC West and the CAISO.

An understanding of how electric system devices are used and can affect reliability is required, in addition the ability to read and understand single line diagrams.

Knowledge of electric power flow theory, hands on experience with GE PSLF or equivalent WECC approved software, Aspen One Liner, is critical to the success of the position.

This person should be an experienced self-starter who can thrive in both an autonomous and team environment.

The alternative to the above 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 the Customer Development and Project Management Division :

The first position will perform and maintain the distribution system model, participate in integrated SVP system planning with the transmission planning team and other SVP groups to deliver distribution system results and reports, identify and implement projects that are necessary to support load growth and improve reliability of the distribution system.

This position will contribute to developing engineering standards and processes. Experience with distributed energy resources interconnection to the grid, including battery storage and grid automation is desirable.

This position will work closely with customers / developers on their projects, will coordinate with various City departments, and support SVP’s field and operation staff, as necessary.

The second position will lead the implementation of a portfolio of projects that can include new substations, new 60KV, 115KV and 230KV transmission lines, reconstruction, expansion of existing substations and transmission lines and capital projects related to distribution system.

This position requires hands-on working knowledge of the project management lifecycle, including but not limited to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and closeout of projects.

A working knowledge of how electric utility systems work, and the work resources required to design, bid, construct and commission these systems is desirable.

The candidate should have extensive knowledge in scheduling, budgeting, preparing bid packages, leading and working with teams of subject matter experts, managing all financial aspects of projects through ongoing job forecasting, oversee preconstruction meetings, coordinating factory acceptance testing of equipment, manage RFIs, change orders, invoicing, and developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships within our industry and with our customers.

This position supports day to day utility operations and compliance.

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 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume.

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 5, 2024 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.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.

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.

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 [email protected].

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