Senior Civil Engineer

Apply now Title: Senior Civil Engineer - Extended Department: Substation Engineering Location: Sacramento, CA, US, Category: Engineering/Technical Minimum Pay Rate: $141,137.00 Maximum Pay Rate: $186,927.00 Apply by Date: 01/05/2026 Posting Type: Open The intent of this posting is to fill one regular full-time position and create an eligibility list that may be used to fill permanent and limited term vacancies for the next 24 months. SMUD is posting this opportunity for a Senior Civil Engineer along with a Principal Civil Engineer position. The hiring department will be filling only one position at either level. If you are interested in also being considered for the Principal Civil Engineer level, you will need to apply to that requisition separately. COVER LETTER REQUIREMENT:To further assess your qualifications for this position, please link your skills to the requirements of the job by responding to the questions listed below. Failure to provide responses to the listed questions may prevent your progression in the selection process for this position. Cover letter shall include a detailed description of overhead transmission and distribution line experience. This shall include design experience with voltages above 69kV. For overhead transmission projects discussed, please provide either length of project and/or overall transmission project costs. Cover letter shall include a detailed description of underground transmission and distribution experience. This shall include design experience with voltages above 69kV. For significant transmission projects discussed, please provide either length of project (lf) and/or overall transmission project costs. Please include a description of any transmission or distribution line tower or pole design experience. Please provide information on your level of experience with AutoCAD and PLS-CADD. Purpose Provides technical civil/structural engineering expertise to core responsibilities, including complex problem resolution/project oversight assignments, by applying professional engineering standards in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions. Nature and Scope There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements: Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series: Entry : Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey : Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series: Senior : Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead capacity. Principal : Subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed. Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully "progress" to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series. Duties and Responsibilities Assumes the responsibility for coordinating, developing, overseeing, and preparing civil construction drawings and mapping related to moderate to complex high voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems for both underground and overhead systems. Completes moderate to complex Civil design work for various SMUD assets which could include completing studies and calculations of midsize projects varying from drainage to structural design; applies national, state, and local agency standards and guidelines while completing engineering work; coordinates with governmental agencies and various SMUD departments. Initiates, coordinates and acts as the SMUD Contract Manager for small to medium contracts; supports various small projects throughout SMUD by acting as the Civil/Transmission Line Project Manager; interfaces with SMUD Procurement, evaluates proposals, drafts task authorizations for various contracts, and manages moderately sized contracted outsourced work. Supports field crews and contractors to ensure construction is in accordance with SMUD requirements and plans. Completes project work using PLS CADD, PLS Pole, and PLS Tower. Completes design tasks using ASCE, ACI, NESC, CPUC General Orders, and company standards. Assists in the inspection and assessment of damaged or deteriorating transmission line assets; reviews developments and encroachments within the Transmission Line rights-of-way. Completes basic design assignments, draft plans, revise drawings, and map updates using AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary. Required Education Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university. Required Experience Qualifications At least five (5+) years of progressively responsible work experience in the design, construction, or maintenance of civil and/or structural assets. Knowledge Of Methods and techniques of project management and report preparation and writing; fundamentals and practices of contract and budget administration; procedures and practices for overseeing contractors' work activities; fundamentals of cost control, project scheduling, and electrical, transmission and distribution; theory, fundamentals and practices of civil/structural engineering design; theory, fundamentals and regulations governing safety and construction of civil/structural systems and facilities; fundamentals, procedures and practices related to construction/fabrication/installation methods, equipment and materials; computer aided drafting and design software (such as AutoCAD); methods, equipment and materials related to construction of transmission, distribution and non-nuclear operating facilities; construction codes and applicable safety standards; fundamentals, procedures and practices related to engineering mathematics, statistical evaluation techniques, and engineering economics; techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses, and problem research and resolution; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skills To Monitor the progress of projects and ensure adherence to established budget constraints; develop work plans, schedules and cost estimates; write technical specifications; prepare bid packages and proposals; negotiate with external representatives on behalf of SMUD; plan, oversee and review the work of others; use state-of-the-art computer software to design civil/structural/architectural systems and facilities; maintain computer databases for collection, interpretation and reporting of data; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings, plans, diagrams, and specifications; use the full suite of Microsoft products and other applications such as Bluebeam or Adobe; assist in planning and implementing system protection enhancements and upgrades; assess situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; identify key elements that must be modified to achieve a goal; interpret, assess and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand, and evaluate verbal/written information and ideas; ensure adherence to established safety policies, practices and procedures; compile and prepare technical, statistical, analytical, and/or oral reports and presentations; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally. Desirable Qualifications Professional registration in civil and/or structural engineering in the state of California. Transmission experience above 69kV. Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations. Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance. SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.Why Sacramento, California? The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. On-site Work This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks. CalPERS SMUD is a CalPERS agency . As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit . SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with appli Required Preferred Job Industries Other