-
Job Description
Description
Apply today and shape the future of electric utilities!
The City of Palo Alto operates a full suite of municipal utility services, including electric, natural gas, wastewater collection, water, and fiber optics. Our organization is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and has a history of leading innovation on a local scale for positive global outcomes. Founded on the principles of delivering quality public services at an affordable rate for community members, the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is award-winning for reliability, safety, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and infrastructure system improvements.
The Electric Project Engineer is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing all phases or specific components of complex electric utility projects—from initial concept through design, construction, and project closeout. This position develops advanced electrical engineering designs, prepares detailed specifications and cost estimates, and composes technical reports related to electric utility maintenance and construction activities.
We are open to filling this role at various engineering levels, based on the candidate’s education, skills, and experience.
Assistant Engineer Job description Click Here
Associate Engineer Job Description Click here
Power Engineer Job Description Click Here
Ideal Candidate
This professional is meticulous and solutions-oriented, equipped with deep expertise in electrical system design, regulatory adherence, and comprehensive project execution. Their technical capabilities encompass power distribution networks, electric substations, CAD/GIS drafting, and field commissioning, supported by a strong grasp of local and national electrical codes and safety protocols. They are adept at coordinating interdisciplinary teams, navigating complex schedules and budgets, and consistently delivering projects from concept to completion. Their sharp troubleshooting skills, effective stakeholder communication, and commitment to innovation—especially in renewable energy and smart infrastructure—make them a vital asset to the engineering team.
Essential Duties
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects requiring engineering experience in electric utility distribution and substations.
- Performs load studies and prepares forecasts as required for utilities' system planning and budget preparation.
- Project management for major electric distribution and substation Capital Improvement Projects.
- Coordinates system improvement activities with key customers.
- Supervises inspectors and technicians during project development and constructions phases.
Compensation (SEIU): Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.
This is a Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) position.
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 7/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
-