Power Systems Engineer

Job Description:

Power Systems Engineer

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Power’s Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Section is seeking a Power System Engineer (Power Systems Engineer, Associate, Power Systems Engineer, or Power Systems Engineer, PE level) within its Power System Controls group in support of Tacoma Power's mission to provide safe and reliable electric service.
This position requires excellent communication skills to interact regularly with a diverse audience in other groups: engineering (substation, protection, generation, technicians, communications, line), project management, system planning, construction and maintenance crews, and system operations.

Responsibilities Include:

• Design and commission system protection, controls, and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) projects.* Work is performed on 6.6kV, 12.47kV, 13.8kV, 15 kV, 115 kV, and 230 kV systems.
• Select and develop settings for microprocessor, solid state, and/or electromechanical protective relays*
• In partnership with Engineering Technicians prepare control schematic drawings for issuance to construction crews.*
• Provide responsive technical support to T&D crews during capital project installations.
• Assist with collaborative troubleshooting of substation protection, controls, and SCADA systems or components, working with craft personnel to identify and diagnose root causes, evaluate approaches and/or solutions, and see tasks through to resolution.
• Create or modify system protection, controls, and SCADA standards and work practices.
• Prepare accurate technical reports.
• Understand and apply electrical technical and safety codes and regulations.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on assigned North American Electric Reliability (NERC) Protection and Controls (PRC) standards.
• Respond to operational inquiries and issues, both during planned work and during emergencies.

*If hired at a Power Systems Engineer or Associate level, these tasks will be performed with the supervision and guidance of a licensed professional engineer. If hired at a Power Systems Engineer, PE classification, these tasks will be performed independently.

Qualifications

Power Systems Engineer, Associate
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
0-1 years depending upon assignment

Power Systems Engineer
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
2 years of engineering experience in a power utility

Power Systems Engineer, PE
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer

*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Some positions may require individuals to 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

Apply

All interested individuals mustapply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references and passing a background check.

A Commitment to Equity and Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. 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.

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.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $98,280.00 - $184,808.00

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.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$98,280.00 - $184,808.00 Annually