Job Posting: Distribution Planning Utility Engineer

Public Utilities Commission

JC-495339
-
Distribution Planning Utility Engineer
UTILITIES ENGINEER

$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/24/2025

Job Description and Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility.  If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.   

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.  Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit. 

We are looking for a Utilities Engineer (UE) to join this innovative and 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 to prepare the grid for high levels of 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:
  • Have strong analytical and quantitative skills, with an understanding of electric power systems, DER technologies, and grid operations.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Bring experience or interest in utility planning, clean energy technologies, and data-driven policy.
  • Be self-motivated, intellectually curious, and eager to help solve California’s most critical energy and climate challenges.
Why Join Us?
  • Help shape the future of California’s energy system and clean energy leadership.
  • Work with a collaborative team tackling cutting-edge energy and climate issues.
  • Develop professionally through impactful assignments in a high-visibility policy environment.
  • Join a mission-driven organization focused on innovation, sustainability, and public service.
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 your qualifications in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the advertised classification(s); resumes are optional. Please clearly describe all of your experience related to public utilities and/or transportation in the areas of economics, finance, or policy in the job description field(s) of your STD 678 form, along with the years and months of service. Failure to do so may result in not qualifying for the minimum qualifications for the advertised classification(s).

    You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

    Working Conditions

    This advertisement is listed specifically for Los Angeles (LA, SF, SAC) location.  All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.

    • Sacramento location, please apply to JC# 495333
    • San Francisco location, please apply to JC# 495330

    Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.

    This position requires travel.

    This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

    Minimum Requirements

    You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

    Additional Documents

    Position Details

    Job Code #:
    JC-495339
    Position #(s):
    680-328-3518-008
    Working Title:
    Distribution Planning Utility Engineer
    Classification:
    UTILITIES ENGINEER
    $6,488.00 - $12,152.00

    Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR’s Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.

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

    Would you like to contribute to California’s ambitious and internationally recognized clean energy and climate goals? The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is leading the state's efforts to achieve a 100 percent clean energy future by 2045. The Grid Planning, Energy Storage, and Non-Wires Alternatives (GPSNWA) section of the CPUC’s Energy Division develops and oversees strategies to modernize California’s electric distribution grid, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), and ensure the grid remains safe, reliable, and affordable—while meeting our climate and electrification goals.

    We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to join our team.

    Please visit Energy Division's recruitment page located here: Energy-Division-Recruiting for further job opportunities.

    Federal Workers, California Welcomes You! Please visit Federal Workers, California Welcomes You! for instructions on how to apply.

    Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov

    Special Requirements

    Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should be responsive to the questions and provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages. SOQs will be evaluated based on the content and writing ability, using standardized rating criteria. Competitive applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

    Please write your SOQ to address the following three questions:

    1. Describe what technical knowledge and/or experience you possess related to electric generation, transmission, and distributed energy resources; engineering experience in the energy sector, including academia, policy, program implementation, research, utility, government, or other related field.
    2. Describe your ability to prepare and review technical reports, prepare and make persuasive verbal presentations, and explaining complex or technical issues in a clear and concise manner.
    3. Describe your experience gathering data, conducting analysis, using software to analyze data, and presenting the data to inform decision making or support findings.

    For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.


    It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at     www.jobs.ca.gov

    Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.


    If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma.  An official transcript will be required prior to appointment. 

    Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
    Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org

    Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors.  Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678.  Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered. 

    Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

    Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

    Application Instructions

    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

    Final Filing Date: 10/24/2025

    Who May Apply

    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

    Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.     Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply

    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Attn: Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
    San Francisco, CA 94102

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Public Utilities Commission
    N/A
    Human Resources Division
    505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008
    San Francisco, CA 94102
    Monday to Friday Except Holidays.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is required and must be included.
    • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    Desirable Qualifications

    In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
    • Technical engineering experience in the energy sector, including academia, policy, program implementation, research, utility, government, or other related field.
    • Ability to conduct technical engineering research and analyses of complex issues involving electric generation, distribution, and transmission facilities, and related utility systems and practices.
    • Experience in preparing clear, comprehensive, and persuasive reports on complex and/or technical issues and making verbal presentations, explaining issues in a clear and concise manner.
    • Experience gathering data, conducting analysis, using software to analyze data, and presenting the data to inform decision making.
    • Knowledge or experience in electric generation, distribution, transmission, and communication systems and their maintenance, operations, and related safety and reliability issues.
    • Knowledge of emerging technologies related to electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, such as renewable energy, distributed energy resources, energy storage, electric vehicles, and microgrids.
    • Understanding of the California electric grid, including generation, transmission, substation, and distribution systems.
    • Ability to handle stressful situations, work well under pressure; and work effectively both alone and collaboratively on a team.
    • Ability to reason logically and creatively and exercise independence and good judgment in performing work assignments.
    • Ability to manage projects and utilize project management tools and techniques.

    Benefits

    Benefits Summary

    Contact Information

    The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

    Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Gabriel Petlin
    (415) 703-1677
    gabriel.petlin@cpuc.ca.gov

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

    EEO Contact:
    Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
    (916) 894-5799
    ReasonableAccommodation@cpuc.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job