Gas Utility Project Engineer

Overview

The City of Palo Alto Utilities is the only city in California that offers a full range of utility services. Join the City as a Project Engineer
, where you’ll shape safety standards, lead innovative projects, and ensure the efficiency of vital gas systems for the community.

Career Opportunity

The Project Engineer reports to the Principal Engineer of the Gas Group within the Water-Gas-Wastewater (WGW) Engineering and Operations Division. In this role, you will manage public contracts, oversee CIP for natural gas distribution facilities, and assist with safety inspections conducted by state and federal regulators. You will contribute to the development of WGW Utility Standards, support Engineering and Operations staff, and create engineering designs for natural gas distribution system improvements using AutoCAD, GIS, and Synergi Gas.

Additional responsibilities include researching as-built information, recording data, and collecting GPS survey data for existing facilities.

Eligibility and Responsibilities Summary

The position may be filled at the Project Engineer level or Engineer level, with duties at the higher level including guidance, project leadership, and escalated responsibilities as described in the full job description.

• Manage public contracts and Capital Improvement Projects for natural gas distribution facilities.
• Assist with safety inspections conducted by state and federal regulators.
• Develop WGW Utility Standards and support Engineering and Operations staff.
• Design natural gas distribution system improvements using AutoCAD, GIS, and Synergi Gas.
• Research as-built information, record data, and collect GPS survey data for existing facilities.
• Provide technical guidance to Engineers, Engineering Associates, and Engineering Assistants on major projects.
• Implement gas distribution CIP projects and safety improvements with contractors and agencies.
• Perform field checks and inspections to ensure compliance with standards and plans.
• Develop materials standards, equipment specifications, and operating procedures.
• Use hydraulic models for system planning and recommend improvements.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders; handle inquiries professionally.
• Prepare and edit staff reports and engineering documents for City Council.
• Other duties as assigned.

• B.S. in Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• At least 10 years of experience in natural gas distribution or transmission engineering.
• Strong technical background in natural gas distribution or transmission engineering principles.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and other drafting tools; strong drafting skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply CFR Title 49 Parts 190, 191, 192, and 199.
• Knowledge of natural gas distribution or transmission operations and maintenance procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong problem-solving abilities.
• Registration as a professional engineer in California preferred; valid California driver's license required.

• Project Engineer:
  Registration as a professional engineer in California and a valid CA driver's license.
• Engineer:
  California PE registration required to attain top step; valid CA driver's license.

Schedule:

9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Compensation: SEIU compensation plan; salary range for Project Engineer is $ - $ annually;
Engineer range is $ - $ annually.

First review of applications will take place on October 6, 2025. This is a continuous recruitment and may remain open until filled.

This position is represented by the Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

• Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text; enroll in text alerts when applying.
• Updates available on your  account.
• Applicants may be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
• Screening may include virtual recorded interviews and/or panels before final interviews.
• This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of…