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.