Assistant Director of Electric Engineering and Operations
About the role
The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is seeking a strategic and technically strong utility leader for the Electric & Fiber Engineering and Operations Division. This role plays a critical leadership role in planning, designing, building, and maintaining the City's electric distribution system and expanding the municipal fiber network.
Responsibilities
- Lead system planning and infrastructure development
- Ensure 24/7 system reliability, maintenance, and emergency response
- Deliver major capital improvement programs
- Implement modern utility practices
- Align operations with ambitious sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction goals
- Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Communicate effectively across all levels
Requirements
- Deep expertise in electric utility engineering and operations
- Ability to lead teams through complex challenges
- Focused on safety, reliability, and customer service
- Forward-thinking and solutions-oriented
- Inspiring and collaborative leadership skills
- Passion for delivering clean, reliable energy and advancing utility services
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in electric utility engineering and operations
- Experience leading capital improvement programs
- Proven track record of implementing modern utility practices
- Experience with sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction goals
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Skills
- Strategic thinking
- Technical expertise in electric utility engineering and operations
- Leadership and team-building skills
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- Sustainability and environmental awareness
Benefits
The salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - 327,060.00; salary supplemented by attractive benefits. The City of Palo Alto also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $245,315.20 - 327,060.00.
Schedule
The first review of applications will be on June 25th, 2026.
Contact
To be considered for this opportunity, upload a compelling cover letter and resume using the "Apply" feature at JP Recruiting. For questions, contact Executive Recruiter Jenna Flanagan at 916-304-6663 or jenna@jpowersinc.com.