07th October, 2026
System Electrical Engineer / Senior System Electrical Engineer – T&D Engineering in Public Power
This role may also be known as: Distribution Engineer, T&D Engineer, Utility Electrical Engineer, Power Systems Engineer
What if your next engineering role let you see the whole system instead of a single corner of it? This community-owned public electric utility is looking for an electrical engineer who wants real ownership: the system studies, the protective relay schemes, the construction design, the bid packages and the budget that make it all happen.
Here, your work doesn't disappear into a queue. You'll plan and schedule the construction, maintenance and pole inspection programs that keep the lights on, design the switchgear and control applications behind them, and walk the field to see your designs come to life. You'll also be the technical go-to for field crews and non-engineers, the person whose judgment the team leans on.
The role is open at two levels, System Electrical Engineer and Senior System Electrical Engineer, so whether you're building toward your California PE or already bring years of utility experience, there's a place for you to grow into real responsibility.
Why This Opportunity Is Different
Most utility engineering roles box you into one discipline on one piece of a massive system. This one gives you the full picture: planning, protection, design, specifications, bidding, budgeting and field support, all in one seat. You'll work side by side with construction and field crews in the Operations Department, coordinate joint projects with neighboring utilities and State, City and County entities, and have a genuine voice in how projects are prioritized. It's a role with autonomy, visible impact and the kind of breadth that builds a well-rounded career in public power.
What You'll Be Doing
- Designing and scheduling long and short-term construction, maintenance and pole inspection programs that keep the system reliable
- Prioritizing projects and making sure every one conforms to pertinent standards and codes
- Overseeing electrical control schematics, one-lines and mechanical drawings for switchgear and control applications
- Performing, supervising and reviewing system calculations and studies for the electrical power system
- Mentoring and supporting non-engineers and field service personnel with your technical expertise
- Building technical bid tabulations to select switchgear and related equipment, along with bid proposals, project schedules and manpower plans
- Preparing construction bid documents and specifications for new T&D lines, relocations and system upgrades
- Coordinating joint projects with local utilities and State, City and County entities
- Helping prepare the departmental budget and keeping expenses on track throughout the year
What We're Looking For - A Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university (a Power Engineering major is preferred)
- For the Senior level, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the electric utility industry
- The ability to become registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of California
- Confidence reading, interpreting and applying electrical one-lines, schematics, blueprints and technical instruction manuals
- The ability to interpret and design protective relay control schemes
- Comprehensive knowledge of electric utility construction, operations and maintenance procedures, power distribution and associated equipment
- Effective working knowledge of T&D line engineering, the National Electric Code, National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI, California Title 8 and Cal/OSHA rules and regulations
- Experience with system modeling software, GIS/ESRI, AutoCAD and related engineering tools
- Willingness and ability to work in all types of weather
- Experience with a municipal utility or electric cooperative is a plus, and familiarity with RUS or FERC accounting is helpful
Compensation & Work Model - System Electrical Engineer: $120,302 to $168,423 per year
- Senior System Electrical Engineer: $140,320 to $196,448 per year
- Excellent health benefits and retirement plans
This role includes field work in all weather conditions. Additional work model details will be confirmed during the screening process.
Location & Travel Based in Susanville, California.
How to Apply To apply or learn more, contact: Aimee.Santos@tappwfs.com
About TAPP Workforce Solutions TAPP Workforce Solutions is a specialized recruitment and workforce solutions firm supporting organizations across skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and professional services. We act as an extension of our clients' teams, delivering thoughtful, relationship-driven hiring solutions focused on long-term fit, performance, and retention.
Apply For Job