Staff Engineer III - Distribution

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don’t just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

We are seeking a Staff Engineer III to help us with our growing workload. The candidate should be self-driven and detail-oriented and thrive on taking ownership, quickly adapting to challenges, and solving problems. The position is hybrid and located at our San Diego, CA office.

At Verdantas, our Power team is transforming the electric utility industry through innovative, impactful projects. We lead the way in decommissioning and repurposing coal-fired plants, ensuring environmental compliance and sustainable redevelopment. Our expertise spans power delivery system upgrades—from transmission lines to substations—while integrating advanced engineering and environmental strategies to meet regulatory demands and boost reliability. We also drive digital transformation in utility asset management with cutting-edge 3D modeling and laser scanning. Join us to power the shift toward cleaner, smarter energy solutions. Apply today and make a lasting impact.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the design and analysis of electric distribution systems (4kV–35kV), including new line extensions, system upgrades, and reliability improvements

• Develop construction work packages using PLS-CADD, GIS, AutoCAD, and client-specific design tools

• Perform load calculations, voltage drop analysis, and protective device coordination

• Prepare engineering deliverables such as plans and profile drawings, bill of materials, and construction specifications

• Coordinate with utility clients, permitting agencies, and internal teams to ensure project success

• Mentor junior engineers and designers, providing technical guidance and quality assurance

• Support project management activities, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking

• Ensure compliance with utility standards, General Order 95 (GO-95), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and environmental regulations

• Distribution line design & project management

• Joint-use attachment reviews

• Distribution system mapping & modeling

• Distribution system load flow, coordination, & arc-flash studies

• Electric utility engineering support

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering

• Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification, PE Preferred

• 8+ years of experience in electric distribution engineering, preferably with utility or consulting firms

• Proficiency in PLS-CADD, or similar distribution modeling tools

• Strong knowledge of GO-95, NESC, NEC, and utility design standards

• Experience with Milsoft WindMil E&A software is a plus

• Experience with O-Calc is a plus

• Ability to specify portions of the engineering systems based on past experience

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• The ability to work nights and weekends as required to attend meetings or to meet demanding project schedules

Salary Range:

At Verdantas, we offer comprehensive benefits packages for our employees. Actual salary is based on the circumstances of each position and candidate, such as geographic location, skills, and certifications. We recognize and reward exceptional performance and strive to ensure fair compensation across all roles and departments within the company. The minimum salary for this position is $110,000 (negotiable based on the criteria presented above). 

Benefits: