Principal, Electrical Engineering

Principal Electrical EngineerIncumbents are responsible for providing advanced-level technical project oversight of utilities engineering projects and supervising lower-level utilities engineering staff. Incumbents provide complex technical guidance regarding high voltage electrical utility distribution, transmission, generation, and fiber optics to electric operations senior staff, contractors, and consultants, including providing guidance on utility and construction safety.This supervisory classification is at the highest professional electrical engineering level. Incumbents perform management of City and consulting personnel in complex engineering work for an engineering function or section. Duties may include conducting and approving project initiation, preparing budgets, conducting annual and long-term work planning, and developing and implementing engineering policies and procedures. This utility classification provides direct customer service for key customers. Supervising responsibilities include performance evaluations, coaching, training, and discipline. Incumbents assume the responsibility of the Engineering Manager during his/her absence.Supervises professional and technical utilities electrical engineering staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; Develops long-range plans to ensure the capacities and reliability of applicable utilities.# Performs project management for major electric systems projects, including scope of work, budget, contract and code compliance, electric safety, staffing, and public relations.# Performs advanced design engineering activities for electric projects, including fiber optics, street lights, traffic signals, and communication projects, which includes identifying, ensuring, and making technical, cost, safety, reliability, functionality, code compliance, and feasibility decisions.# Coordinates the design and installation of electric and telecommunication services with customers.# Performs special utility studies and runs system models related to the operation and maintenance of the electric system, including fault analysis for the purpose of establishing relay and control settings for substations and distribution systems.# Reviews, analyzes, and modifies electric engineering, equipment, and materials specifications and standards.# Provides technical support and consulting for other internal departments related to electric engineering operational activities; delivers written and oral reports to management, City Council, and external agencies.# Performs advanced electric engineering analysis.# monitors and approves expenditures in accordance with established policies.# Analyzes and makes recommendations for revisions to the municipal code, Utility Rules and Regulations, and other applicable utility policy documents.# Prepares a variety of complex reports related to electric engineering activities, operations, and projects.# Serves as a liaison between the Department, the City, regulatory agencies and other external agencies and individuals.# Manages and oversees the work of contractors to ensure compliance with applicable project specifications and requirements.# Excellent project management skills and significant experience in Capital Improvement ProjectsSufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through BSEE and six years of related experience; Registration as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of California.The City of Palo Alto recently implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires employees reporting to work onsite to be vaccinated or regularly tested. Upon your start date, you will be asked about your COVID-19 vaccination status. A member of our Benefits team will explain the policy in more detail once onboard.Phone or text: (916) 304-6663

Created: 2025-10-02