Lead Engineer

State of New Mexico

State of New Mexico

Full-time

Santa Fe, NM, USA

USD 93,552-149,683 / year

Posted on Mar 29, 2026

Posting Details

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission serves New Mexico by ensuring safe operations and reliable utility services at fair, just, and reasonable rates consistent with the State's legal, economic, environmental, and social policies.

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

This position is the highest non-management level of the Engineering Series and is a seasoned senior position that is accountable for complex policy development and policy review in engineering disciplines. Independently applies extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields. Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of agency work. Receives general direction on key objectives and when necessary, on unconventional problems.

How does it get done?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Review agency and utility companies' procedures and policies for conformance with statutes and regulations. Conduct on-site, field inspection and investigation of the field conditions of assignments. Apply engineering principles, practices and methods in development and management of projects, and contract administration. Provide cost effective project solutions using accurate evaluations of field and other data for recommended policy development. Review procedures, policies and proposals, track progress of utility rate cases to ensure the compliance is achieved, modify task assignments, when necessary, generate documentation in response to requests for information. Understand and interpret federal and state regulations as applicable to projects.

Who are the customers?

New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission - Utility Division, Engineering Bureau.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate may perform analysis and provide expert testimony on issues related to electric utility companies, including plant design, specifications, capacity, reliability, depreciation rates, utility expenses and certificates of public convenience and necessity. This position contributes to the development of the cost of service and revenue requirements of rate cases and evaluates various filings including fuel and plant cost and affiliate transactions, and may be involved in the development of regional transmission and reliability issues ,and monitors and participates in organizations such as DOE, FERC, WECC, NERC, CREPC, and WIEB. In addition, the ideal candidate may perform analysis and provides expert testimony on issues related to natural gas, water and wastewater utilities, including plant design, specifications, capacity, reliability, depreciation rates, utility water and wastewater utilities, including plant design, specifications, capacity, reliability, depreciation rates, utility expenses and certificates of public convenience and necessity, develop rate base, provide input to the cost of service and revenue requirements portions of rate cases, and evaluate various
utility filings, including fuel and plant costs, and affiliated transactions.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant engineering discipline with licensure and four (4) years of engineering experience, one (1) of which must be as a Licensed Professional Engineer. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must be certified by the NMBLPEPS as a Licensed Professional Engineer in good standing within six (6) months of hire.

Employment Requirements

Driver's license and background check prior to hire.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with in-state travel, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Katrina Smedley 505-490-5217 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

State of New Mexico is an equal opportunity employer.