Electrical Distribution Engineer, Principal
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 2, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 11, 2026. Gainesville Regional Utilities scores A on the Alion truth index.
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Summary
Salary Min
$125,926.77
Salary Max
$188,890.67
The Electrical Distribution Engineer, Principal Engineer provides strategic technical leadership and advanced engineering expertise in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the electric system. This position serves as a subject matter expert and key advisor to leadership, ensuring the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of transmission and distribution infrastructure while supporting the utility’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric service to the community.
Examples of Work
Essential Functions:
Leads the planning, design, and analysis of electric transmission and distribution systems, overhead and underground distribution, and related infrastructure.
Provides technical oversight and guidance on complex engineering projects, system upgrades, and capital improvement initiatives.
Performs and reviews advanced engineering studies, including load flow, short circuit, coordination, voltage regulation, and system reliability analyses.
Develops, maintains, and approves engineering standards, specifications, and construction designs to ensure system consistency and safety.
Serves as a technical advisor to leadership, operations, and field personnel on system performance, reliability, and engineering best practices.
Supports system reliability by leading incident investigations, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE, OSHA, and state/local/internal regulations).
Collaborates with operations, construction, maintenance, and external agencies to ensure efficient project execution and system performance.
Leads or supports long-term system planning, including load forecasting, infrastructure modernization, and grid resiliency initiatives.
Evaluates and implements emerging technologies, including smart grid applications, automation, and distributed energy resources.
Examples of Work (continued)
Non-Essential Functions:
Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
May act in absence of manager.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.
Experience
At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering including leading the planning, design, and analysis of electric transmission and distribution systems and providing technical oversight and guidance on complex capital projects.
OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.
GRU Competencies
Adaptability, Flexibility, Fostering Innovation
Contributes to Achieving GRU's Mission: GRU will provide safe, reliable, competitive utility services in an environmentally responsible manner and will actively contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in our community
Customer Focus
Role Specific Competencies
Problem-solving, Analysis, & Reasoning
Professional Technical Competency
Self-Management
Certifications
None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of power system engineering principles, practices, and standards.
Extensive knowledge of electric utility systems, protection schemes, and overhead/underground distribution systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence organizational direction.
Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and public utility operations.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to non-technical stakeholders, leadership, and governing boards.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
Familiarity with power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, CYME, Synergi, or similar).
Knowledge of and experience with grid modernization, renewable integration, and resiliency planning.
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization.
Knowledge of public sector procurement processes and capital project management preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (continued)
Physical Requirements
Climbing - Occasionally
Driving - Often
Far Vision Acuity - Often
Fine Manipulation - Often
Foot or Leg Controls - Often
Gross Manipulation - Occasionally
Hearing - Often
Keyboarding - Often
Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Rarely/Never
Near Visual Acuity - Often
Normal Color Vision - Often
Peripheral Vision - Often
Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs. - Rarely/Never
Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Occasionally
Reaching Overhead-Rarely/Never
Sitting - Often
Speaking - Often
Standing or Walking - Often
Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Occasionally
Environmental Requirements
Required to work during emergency conditions.
Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.