As a Data Analyst at Pacific Gas and Electric, your core mission is to turn complex operational data into actionable insights that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency. Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your specific team, but they generally center around data governance, strategic reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

On any given day, you might find yourself writing complex SQL queries to extract asset performance metrics, building interactive dashboards in PowerBI or Tableau for operations managers, or auditing CAD records to ensure compliance with strict state and federal regulations. You will spend a significant amount of time collaborating with engineers, project managers, and field supervisors to understand their data needs and translate those requirements into technical specifications.

For more senior or principal roles, the responsibilities shift toward high-level data strategy. You will be expected to lead major analytical initiatives, design predictive models for grid operations, and present key findings directly to executive leadership to guide multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments. Across all levels, a primary responsibility is ensuring the utmost accuracy and integrity of the data, as your analyses will directly influence physical field operations and regulatory reporting.

To be competitive for a Data Analyst position at PG&E, you must demonstrate a strong balance of technical capability and collaborative soft skills. The exact qualifications will depend on the seniority of the role, but the foundational expectations remain consistent.

• Must-have skills – Strong proficiency in SQL for data extraction and manipulation. Solid experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, PowerBI, or SAS. Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to explain technical insights to non-technical stakeholders.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience with programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis. Knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or CAD record management. Prior experience working in the utility, energy, or civil infrastructure sectors.
• Experience level – For standard analyst roles, 2–5 years of experience in data analysis or business intelligence is typical. For Principal roles, expect a requirement of 8+ years of experience, along with a proven track record of leading large-scale data projects and mentoring junior team members.

Q: How technical is the Data Analyst interview at PG&E? A: The interview focuses much more on practical data strategy and scenario-based problem solving than on abstract, theoretical coding challenges. While you need to be comfortable explaining your technical approach and potentially walking through your own code, the focus is on how you apply technology to solve real-world utility problems.

Q: What is the significance of "safety questions" in the interview? A: Because PG&E manages critical energy infrastructure, safety is their number one priority. You will be asked how you handle risk, ensure data accuracy, and prioritize safety in your work. Preparing concrete examples of a safety-first mindset is essential to passing the behavioral rounds.

Q: Will I have to do a live coding test? A: Live coding is less common for standard Data Analyst roles at PG&E. Instead, you are more likely to face technical scenario discussions where you propose a data strategy, or a code review session where you present and explain a script or project you have previously written.

Q: What is the company culture like? A: Candidates and employees describe the culture as highly collaborative, supportive, and "egoless." The teams are composed of intelligent, thoughtful professionals who value constructive feedback and collective success over individual competition.

• Prepare Safety Examples: Before your interview, think of 2–3 concrete scenarios where you identified a risk, spoke up about a potential hazard, or implemented a double-check process to ensure data integrity. This is highly valued across all departments.
• Research PG&E's Operations: Show that you understand the unique challenges of the utility sector. Familiarize yourself with their wildfire safety plans, clean energy goals, and public safety power shutoff (PSPS) protocols.
• Be Ready to Share Your Code: If asked to bring in code to review, choose a clean, well-documented script that solves a practical business problem. Focus on explaining why you wrote it the way you did, rather than just what the code does.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Frame your past achievements as team successes. Use "we" alongside "I" to highlight how you work with cross-functional partners to get things done.
• Check Your Application Status: PG&E's hiring process can sometimes take several weeks between steps. Keep an eye on your online applicant portal, as status updates are frequently posted there before you receive a direct email.

A Data Analyst career at Pacific Gas and Electric offers a unique opportunity to apply your analytical skills to projects of immense public importance. From optimizing gas and electric grid reliability to supporting massive environmental and safety initiatives, your work will have a direct, positive impact on millions of California residents. The collaborative, egoless environment makes it a fantastic place to grow professionally while working alongside passionate, mission-driven colleagues.

To maximize your chances of success, focus your preparation on mastering practical data strategy scenarios, refining your behavioral stories using the STAR method, and deeply aligning your answers with PG&E's safety-first culture. Be ready to demonstrate not just your technical prowess in SQL and data visualization, but also your ability to communicate complex findings to diverse stakeholders.

The salary ranges for Data Analyst roles at PG&E reflect the wide scope of responsibilities and seniority levels within the organization, ranging from entry-level positions to highly strategic principal roles. When evaluating these ranges, consider how your specific technical skills, domain expertise in utilities, and leadership experience align with the targeted business unit. With focused preparation and a clear understanding of the company's operational goals, you can confidently navigate the interview process and position yourself for a highly rewarding career. If you want to explore more community insights, interview questions, and preparation resources, be sure to utilize the tools available on Dataford.