Electrical Engineer - Power Systems & Water Infrastructure

Job Description

Electrical Engineer – Power Systems & Water Infrastructure

San Jose, CA 100% In-office role Relocation Required

Full-Time Permanent Direct Hire

Salary Range: $120,000 – $165,000

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established California-based water utility for a permanent, direct-hire Electrical Engineer to join their San Jose engineering team.

This role supports the planning, detailed design, and construction design support of critical water infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on electrical power systems, controls, and motor control centers. This is a long-term career opportunity with a stable utility organization supporting essential public infrastructure.

What You’ll Do

The Electrical Engineer will provide electrical and controls engineering support for water facilities, including:

Prepare electrical construction drawings and technical specifications

Perform advanced electrical engineering calculations, including:

Short circuit current calculations

Voltage drop calculations

Breaker coordination studies

Arc flash analysis

Design and support low- and medium-voltage power distribution systems

Design and work with motor control centers (MCCs)

Develop bid packages and support procurement of major electrical equipment

Prepare RFPs and evaluate consultants and vendors

Manage project scope, schedule, and budget

Coordinate with contractors, consultants, agencies, and internal stakeholders

Support construction management and field inspections

Prepare reports, cost estimates, and technical documentation

Assist with PUC rate case filings and annual capital budgets

Present technical information to public agencies, special districts, and community groups

Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required; equivalent experience or coursework does not substitute)

Minimum 2 years of experience working as an Electrical Engineer

Hands-on electrical design experience (power distribution, schematics, specifications) — candidates with installation support backgrounds only will not be considered

Demonstrated knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as applied to power distribution (not controls-only) — candidates must be able to cite applicable NEC articles during interview

Experience with motor control center (MCC) design (not just installation)

Experience with generator system design, including standby/emergency power systems and generator installation design, ATS equipment, an the like

Experience with Arc Flash analysis principles and applicable NFPA 70E standards

Proficiency with AutoCAD and development of design plans

Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office/M365

Valid California Driver License (or ability to obtain one if coming in from out of state)

Preferred Qualifications

California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or California PE

Experience using ETAP or similar power system modeling software

Experience in water, wastewater, or process industries

Experience working with consultants and contractors

Why This Role

Direct hire, permanent position with a utility client

Long-term career stability in essential infrastructure

Competitive salary with a comprehensive utility benefits package

Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate

Work on high-impact capital projects that support local communities

Strong internal engineering culture and professional development opportunities

Benefits

Our Client offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

401(k) Plan with employer match

Defined Benefit Pension Plan — 100% employer-funded, vests at 5 years

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage through the utility’s Health Care Plan or Kaiser Permanente, effective the first of the month following date of hire

Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment, effective the first of the month following date of hire

Long-Term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

35 days of paid time off annually — 11 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, 10 vacation days, and 10 sick days

Union Membership

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement. The successful candidate will be required to be a member of, or become a member of, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO. The IFPTE represents engineering and technical professionals — not craft or trade workers — and is the union of record for our Client’s engineering and water quality employees.

Full-time