Electrical Power Systems Engineer, Transmission Engineering

Seattle City Light is seeking a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer, from any state, who is interested in a challenging and exciting opportunity in our Transmission Engineering group. In your role as Senior Design Engineer, you'll be required to work within a multi-discipline team to design efficient and reliable electrical transmission lines for both overhead and underground systems. You will coordinate your design activities to maintain project schedules and ensure successful project completion. If you're bringing your PE from another state, you will have a year to obtain your Washington State PE by exam or comity.

On certain projects, you will also perform the role of Project Engineer to accomplish project mandate. This Electrical Power System Engineer (EPSE) position, in the Transmission Engineering Group, is responsible for Senior level design and analysis of 115kV and 230 kV overhead and underground Transmission systems. The use of specialized software, such as PLS-CAD and CYMCAP, will be required to perform this work. This position reports to the Principal EPSE in Transmission Engineering.

The Transmission Engineering Team provides engineering expertise and support to hydroelectric facilities, high voltage transmission, substations and distribution facilities. Transmission Engineering also provides project management, design, contract and construction management as well as maintenance and emergency response services for all transmission facilities owned by the City of Seattle.

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.Here is more about what you'll be doing: 

The key accountabilities for the EPSE Transmission Engineer are:

• Delivers accurate designs for 115kV to 230kV overhead and underground electrical transmission lines that will meet City Light standards and specifications as well as constructability requirements. This includes route selection, line layout, structure configuration and conductor selection.

• Prepares technical and project specifications, cost estimates, requests for proposal (RFP) and requests for tender (RFT) documents for material and equipment purchase and installation.

• Provides guidance and instructions to other key project management and engineering resources within City Light to facilitate complete and thorough designs for transmission projects.

• Reviews work of the team, consultants, and contractors to ensure accuracy, achievement of required results, and adherence to accepted engineering practices.

• As an "Owner's Engineer", reviews external service providers' line designs to ensure technical compliance of City Light Standards, good design practices and constructability criteria.

• Applies Safety by Design principles in all designs.

• Resolves site queries, attending site meetings and performing site inspections during the construction phase of projects.

• Maintains complete project documentation with respect to transmission line design and construction, including all completion packages, records and requirements.

• Maintains appropriate commitments to project teams, and coordinates design activities with multi-disciplined project team members.

• Fulfills functional role of Project Engineer as assigned.

• Designs and deliverables to meet all regulatory compliance applicable to City Light.

• Use computer-based analytical tools to analyze and design overhead and underground transmission systems and evaluate potential changes.

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering

Experience: Six years of progressively responsible, difficult and highly complex or visible electrical power systems engineering experience

(or other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional electrical engineering work on major electrical power systems).

Certification/License:

• Professional Engineer Certification in Washington State is required

• Driver's License or equivalent mobility

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of electrical engineering and experience in any of the following disciplines:

• Transmission, Planning, Substations or Distribution Engineering.

• Experience in transmission system design, planning, maintenance and operations.

• Knowledge of and direct experience with electric power system reliability standards and demonstrated use of NESC is preferred.

• Experience coordinating construction crews.

• Knowledge of 115kV and 230kV underground and overhead electrical design and experience as a lead for engineering and technical employees.

• Computer skills such as PLS-CAD, CYMCAP, WAMS, AutoCAD, Word, Materials Request preparation, RevAMPs, Excel, Windows and/or Microsoft Project.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to create and deliver presentations.

• Ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities and to work as a team member in a diverse work force.

• Willingness to learn and accept responsibility, comply with safety rules and regulations, work efficiently, effectively and independently.

• Proactive in ongoing professional and personal development activities such as self-study, attendance at technical and administrative courses and participation in technical and professional societies.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.The full salary range for this position is $65.82 to $77.26 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.  Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.