Job Details

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, and experience working in a team environment on major construction projects.

Engineering Division Responsibilities

This position will lead substation engineering and standards development that support the mission of the utility. It 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. The position supports day‑to‑day utility operations and compliance.

System Expansion Division Responsibilities

This position will support System Expansion capital projects and involve work on complex large‑scale capital system expansion improvement projects in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment. The role will work on four large system expansion projects moving forward to bid and construction, totaling an estimated cost of $440 million, including hands‑on work during construction of three receiving station projects and one 2.25‑mile 115 kV transmission line project. The position may also assist with outage management, construction and contracts management, material procurement and tracking, and easement acquisition. Ideal candidates will have large substation or receiving station project experience, ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities, proven problem‑solving skills, and excellent communication.

Department Overview

As a community‑owned, not‑for‑profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power has provided dependable electric service for over 125 years. SVP is the only full‑service, vertically integrated publicly owned utility in Silicon Valley and owns generation, transmission, and distribution assets. As a public electric utility, Santa Clara's SVP is not driven by profits, reflected in its significantly lower utility rates compared to other private sector utilities. SVP promotes green policies, reduced rates, and a strategic plan. It is one of few public electric utilities in California with an upward trajectory of growth. SVP owns, operates, and participates in more than 1,200 MW of electric generating resources and serves a peak load of approximately 700 MW. The expansion plan will double system capacity over the next ten years with 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 Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA.

Additional Information

Applications must be filled out completely. 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.

Salary Range

The annual salary range for this position is $196,841.40–$251,163.60. The position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Minimum Qualifications

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;
  • b) Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years experience in electric utility engineering work;
  • or c) Ten (10) years experience in 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 substitute for one year of experience (proof of receipt of an Engineer In Training certificate may substitute 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 substitute 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Follow the link to view the entire class specification, which includes more information on typical duties and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Conditions for Exam and Interview

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 Notice

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. 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 requiring 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 ...@santaclaraca.gov.