Electric Transmission Asset Planning & Operations Engineering Principal I- San Diego

SDG&E is not just an energy company, we are the architects of a brighter, cleaner future. Our employees power everyday life for 3.7 million people – bringing the energy to support their passions, ambitions, and the heartbeat of our community.  

We call Southern California our home. It’s where we chase our dreams and raise our families. That’s why the people who live here deserve an energy company unlike any other, and that’s why every day, SDG&E employees strive to be at the forefront of innovations to reduce emissions, modernize the electric grid, and enable our customers to make the transition to clean technologies. We’re redefining sustainability, advancing zero-emissions solutions, and driving the electric vehicle revolution.  

It takes the best to build the best – join us!  

Career Level: P5

Primary Purpose: 
Shapes transmission planning methodologies and operational frameworks to address evolving system needs. Provides authoritative technical guidance that informs strategic investment decisions and supports organizational growth objectives.

This role will focus on developing detailed transmission design packages, PLS-CADD modeling, performs advanced technical evaluations and develops solutions that improve transmission system reliability and efficiency.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews transmission and distribution design calculations, PLS-CADD models, construction job packages, and attends site visits for routing feasibility.
• Provides training, mentorship, and technical support to lower-level engineers and designers on transmission and distribution related design items.
• Advises on design standards, specifications, templates, guidelines, and innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of electrical transmission and distribution systems.
• Leads development of long-term transmission expansion plans aligned with corporate objectives.
• Oversees creation of system models for reliability and contingency analysis.
• Provides expert guidance on compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and regional reliability standards.
• Evaluates feasibility of major transmission projects, including underground and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) options.
• Conducts economic and risk analyses for strategic investment decisions.
• Develops methodologies for probabilistic planning and scenario analysis.
• Prepares executive-level reports summarizing system performance and future needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Requires a 4 year degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Typically requires 10 years of related experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of California is required.

• A valid CA Driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid CA Driver’s License prior to the first day of employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program or Professional Engineer (PE) certification in addition to five (5) years of engineering experience or an Advanced degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Advanced knowledge and ability to design transmission and distribution lines using PLS-CADD.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Power System Engineering - A subfield of electrical engineering that deals with the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power, and the electrical apparatus connected to such systems.
• Engineering Design Power System Protection & Relaying - A series of steps that engineers follow to find a solution to a problem.
• Power System Protection & Relaying - Implementing systems and devices to protect power systems from faults and disturbances, ensuring reliable operation.
• Load Flow & Short Circuit Analysis - Analyzing the flow of electrical power and the effects of short circuits to ensure the stability and reliability of power systems.
• Interconnection Studies - Analyzing the technical and/or economic impacts of achieving a higher share of variable renewable energy in the electricity mix.
• Energy Operations Management - Overseeing the proactive, organized and systematic management of energy use in a building or organization.
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Management - The systematic approach to maintain health and safety at occupation and protect the environment.
• Regulatory Compliance - Ensuring an organization's adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines and specifications relevant to its business processes.
• Engineering Blueprint/Schematics Interpretation - Reading Engineering drawings and understanding the ideas and information that they are intended to communicate.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Note: SDG&E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG&E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.