Salary : $113,305.00 - $141,631.00 Annually
Location : City of Pasadena, CA
Job Type: 2025 - REGULAR FULLTIME 40+ HRS A WK
Job Number: 26-020
Department: Water & Power
Opening Date: 09/11/2025
Closing Date: 9/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Assistant Engineer

Min - $97,367.00, Mid - $109,538.00, Max- $121,708.00

Associate Engineer

Min $113,305.00, Mid - $127,468.00, Max - $141,631.00

The Water and Power Department's Power Supply Division is looking to fill its current engineering vacancy at the Glenarm Power Plant at the Assistant Engineer or Associate Engineer level. Under the general supervision of the Principal Engineer or Power Plant Manager, the Assistant Engineer or Associate Engineer will be responsible for coordinating and performing complex or specialized engineering tasks related to the design, procurement, construction, and maintenance of power plant projects or systems.

Both the Assistant and Associate Engineers will need to exercise considerable independent judgment in designing plans, conducting engineering calculations, and reviewing plans for accuracy. They will also be tasked with monitoring contracts to ensure compliance with engineering standards and specifications.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate should possess thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of power plant technology; process instruments and controls; familiarity of piping systems; methods, materials, and equipment used in electrical utility construction, maintenance and operations. This position is unique to the power plant and supports the many facets of engineering projects including budget monitoring and cost control, and contract administration where an understanding of public utilities economics/funding sources and application procedures is ideal. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation related to engineering and the environment, and possess experience in drafting with the use of computerized engineering programs such as AutoCAD.

To learn more about our Water and Power Department please click here:

Appointment will be made at the Assistant or Associate level depending on experience and qualifications.

Essential Functions
The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the and job descriptions.

Assistant Engineer

• Designs and prepares drawings and specifications for a variety of departmental projects or programs; makes general engineering calculations in connection with field and office assignments; makes modifications; conducts environmental studies and prepares reports and required documents; recommends solutions; ensures safety requirements and standards; uses computer technology to solve problems and perform assignments.
• Participates in project management as part of a team; performs general engineering review analysis of designs and checks calculations; prepares specifications for proposals; reviews designs and evaluates proposals; evaluates bids; negotiates terms; prepares agenda reports for contract award recommendations; prepares contracts; develops schedules; conducts job walks; performs routine inspections at project sites for conformance with specifications and standards; serve as contract administrator, performs tests and evaluates performance; identifies problems and recommends solutions; monitors costs; confers with other professional and technical staff to coordinate work; writes and processes Change Orders.
• Directs and prepares contract documents and specifications; prepares quantity and cost estimates for construction projects; serves as contract administrator for construction work; conducts surveys and studies; oversees installations; investigates problems in the field and at sites; exercises cost control; prepares and submits reports.
• Coordinates projects with outside agencies, contractors, consultant, and other City departments; works with professional and para-professional engineering teams; assigns, reviews, schedules, selects, and evaluates work performance of subordinate staff; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public and City staff; attends meetings; makes presentations; acts in the absence of the Engineer.
• Participates in the preparation of section budget; monitors costs; conducts a variety of studies; prepares reports and maintains engineering records; purchases equipment and materials.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public and City staff; attends meetings; makes presentations; responds to complaints and claims against the City.
• Gathers technical data required for planning a wide variety of engineering projects; provides technical assistance to others on computerized programs, major projects and programs; evaluates software and makes recommendations.
• Prepares a variety of documents; prepares and reviews a variety of engineering, administrative, and regulatory reports, including permit applications and correspondence with regulatory agencies; assists in the preparation of grant funding applications.

Associate Engineer
In addition to performing the above duties for Assistant Engineer:

• Performs engineering design calculations and construction cost estimates; ensures all project design, documents, drawings, and specifications comply with professional engineering principles, standards and practices; prepares specifications, request for proposals, and purchase requisitions.
• Prepares procurement documents, evaluates bids and proposals; negotiates contract terms; prepares agenda reports for contract award recommendations; serves as contract administrator; oversees mechanical engineering construction projects to ensure conformity with the specifications; prepares and updates project schedules; identifies tasks and resources required; monitors project progress.
• Provides technical support during project construction including review of submittal documents, answers contractor's request for information, interprets project drawings, specifications, and contract documents; performs project close out and maintains project files.
• Provides technical support in administering, negotiating and resolving construction project change orders and construction claims; ensures work performed is in accordance with project plans, specifications and professional mechanical engineering standards and codes; conducts job walks.
• Works in conjunction with other work groups in the preparation of section budget, budget monitoring and invoice checks; prepares and reviews a variety of engineering, administrative, and regulatory reports including permit applications, work orders, and correspondence.
• Performs system analysis, conducts tests and studies, and submits results and recommendation for planning; participates in the preparation of project budgets; estimates cash flow projections, cost justifications, and ensures cost containment on projects.
• Coordinates projects with outside agencies, contractors, consultants, and other City departments; works with professional and para-professional engineering teams; assigns, reviews, schedules, selects, and evaluates work performance of subordinate staff.
• Attends meetings; makes presentations; acts in the absence of the Engineer.

Qualification Guidelines
COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in the position.

• Attention to Detail - Takes extra care and detail to allow for the ability to manage own work with a high level of accuracy.
• Professional and Technical Expertise-Applying technical subject matter to the job.
  • Technical expertise to sustain continuity of service demands through transmission and distribution lines and equipment.
• Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Writing- Communicating effectively in writing.
• Project Management- Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives.
• Using Technology- Working with electronic hardware and software applications.
  • Computerized engineering applications and programs, including AutoCAD.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Assistant Engineer:

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• An Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers may substitute for the college degree.

Associate Engineer

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• An Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
• (2) Two years of recent professional experience in the field of engineering in the utility industry.

The Assistant Engineer is a sliding classification with the Associate Engineer. At the discretion of the department head, incumbents may be upgraded to the higher-level class when qualified, which includes having passed probation, meeting all the minimum job requirements, satisfactory annual performance evaluations and upon demonstration of their capabilities to perform at the higher level.
SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written examination, interview panel, department-level interviews and possibly an online assessment.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently (1) one vacancy in the Power Supply Division of the Water and Power Department that may be filled at either level.

The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.
Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.
Special Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
An Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate issued by the California State Licensing Board is required for the Associate Engineer.
Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CALPERS' reciprocity or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2% @ 62 benefit formula.

Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula.

All employees are required to pay the full employee contribution to CalPERS.

Click link below to review the City's excellent benefits package

The City is closed on alternate Fridays and most staff observe a 9/80 work schedule.
01

Please note: A resume may NOT be submitted in lieu of a completed employment application, and a "see resume" response is not acceptable. You may attach a copy of your resume, but your employment history and other qualifications will only be considered from your application. Check the "yes" box to acknowledge this.

• Yes

02

Based on your interest and qualifications, please indicate the position(s) you are interested in.

• Assistant Engineer
• Associate Engineer
• Both levels (Assistant and Associate Engineer)

03

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess at least (2) two years of recent professional experience in the field of engineering in the utility industry?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your professional experience in the field of engineering as it relates to the utility industry.
07

Briefly describe your training and experience performing technical engineering work, include your experience related to performing computerized drafting, designing projects, reviewing plans, performing inspections, and other related field work. Be specific about the types of projects, your role in the project, and the length and extent of your experience.
Required Question