Description
Join Tacoma Power’s Transmission & Distribution team and help us deliver safe, reliable, and resilient power to our community. This senior-level engineering role leads a team of three distribution line engineers and serves as a subject matter expert for complex overhead and underground distribution design (15 kV & below). You will shape system improvements, guide standards, and ensure the integrity of the distribution network that powers Tacoma.
Primary Responsibilities:
Advanced Distribution Engineering
Oversee complex design of overhead and underground distribution facilities.
Evaluate and acquire engineering tools to be used by the team.
Perform structure & pole-strength calculations, along with wire clearance & stringing analysis using tools such as SPIDAcalc, PLS-CADD and SAG10.
Design underground cable systems (15kV 600-800A Feeder, & 200A URD) using cable-pulling analysis tools and incorporate into conduit & vault layout.
Apply advanced knowledge of function & applications of protective devices, transformers, switches, switchgear, regulators, and capacitors.
Production of work order designs ensuring they meet Tacoma Power Standards, NESC (ANSI C2), and worker-safety requirements (WAC 296 / OSHA 1926).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner across Tacoma Power to deliver safe, efficient, customer-focused solutions:Support Line and Substation Operations (Construction & Maintenance) as a technical resource.
Coordinate work effort and internal procedures with T&D Engineering, Planning, Safety, Real Property, Procurement, Standards, and Warehouse teams.
Engage with Account Executives and Customer Experience on customer impacted projects.
Review permits, easements, and public documents affecting the operating rights of Tacoma Power facilities.
Support Joint Use and telecommunications pole-attachment reviews and estimates.
Support New Service Engineering projects with related temporary & permanent system improvement designs and cost estimates.
Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a three-engineer distribution line design team.
Oversee design quality, work order development, with the application of PE stamp where required.
Guide work ranging from single-structure modifications to large multi-stakeholder system upgrades.
Project & Budget ManagementManage biennial budget funds related to facility relocations, OH-to-UG conversions, and asset-management replacements.
Serve as Project Manager/Lead when needed—developing scope, schedules, estimates, resource requirements, and communication plans.
Track project performance and implement corrective actions.
Represent Tacoma Power on externally driven projects (WSDOT, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma, etc.) and support development of interagency agreements.
Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
5 years of experience in power engineering including 2 years as a licensed Professional Engineer working in the electrical power industry
*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Washington State Driver's License
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn.
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.65
Annual Salary: $151,652.08 - $213,512.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
