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Job Description
Description
The Utilities Department is hiring two positions within the Electric Engineering Division:
Principal Electric Engineer - Grid Modernization and Principal Electric Engineer - Systems Planning
To view complete job announcement click HERE .
DEPARTMENT
The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is incredibly unique in offering a full array of services to its residents and businesses: electricity, water, wastewater, natural gas, and fiber optics. CPAU is an award-winning utility recognized nationally as innovative and a leader in reliability, safety, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and system improvement. Palo Alto has a tradition of over 125 years of successful public utility operations. It is a tradition that continues to provide customers with safe and reliable utility service, local decision-making over policies, utility ratemaking, environmental programs, and customized services. CPAU focuses on customer service, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and cost containment. It also supports the City’s sustainability goals by building a low-carbon energy supply through renewable energy, carbon emission offsets, and programs to help customers use energy and water more efficiently, reduce their carbon footprint, and integrate new technologies.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Principal Electric Engineer - Grid Modernization plays a pivotal role in advancing Palo Alto's electric grid to meet evolving requirements. This position focuses on implementing innovative solutions to modernize the grid, including the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to enhance reliability, optimize efficiency, and ensure the grid's resilience against aging infrastructure and extreme weather challenges. Success in this role demands a comprehensive knowledge of electric power systems, encompassing both transmission and distribution, as well as hands-on experience with smart grid technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Outage Management Systems (OMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Microgrid Management Systems (MMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), among others.
The Principal Electric Engineer - System Planning leads the development, analysis, and optimization of electric power systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. This role involves strategic planning, technical leadership, and collaboration with stakeholders to address current and future energy demands.
To view the full job description, click here.
SALARY RANGE and BENEFITS
Salary Range $182,270.40 - $243,027.20 annually supplemented by competitive benefits. To learn more click here .
SCHEDULE
This is an in-person position.
Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (Some flexibility)
Every other Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and off alternating Fridays.
Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:- PE, BSEE and six years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
- Valid California Driver's License;
- Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California.
Supplemental Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and screenings and interviews will begin as soon as posting requirements are met and a sufficient applicant pool is found. Posting may be closed before posted date.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 4/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
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