Principal Electrical Power Systems Engineer, Transmission Planning

Seattle City Light's Engineering & Technology Operations Division is filling roles in both Distribution and Transmission Planning. These opportunities are for professionally licensed electrical engineers, from any state. If you're bringing your PE from another state, you will have a year to obtain your Washington State PE by exam or comity.

In this position, you will provide direction to the Utility on regional transmission planning, interconnection, and operational issues. In addition, you will support and sustain Seattle City Light as a high performing organization by contributing to excellent organizational performance and customer service. You will also contribute to the vision, mission, and values of City Light through responsible and effective work performance.  This position will report to the Systems Planning Senior Manager.

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:

• Responsible for system planning to meet transmission, and/or substation capacity, security and reliability needs.

• Direct/lead team in the planning and design of electrical transmission systems to meet future needs.

• Perform NERC Compliance duties and develop internal controls to demonstrate compliance regarding transmission planning, system modeling, interconnection studies and data submittals.

• Review and make recommendations on utility-wide and industry-wide transmission issues and strategies.

• Develop/lead planning, operation, and protection studies for the City Light Transmission system for internal/external customers.

• Coordinate and lead suburban cities on transmission system plans. Perform transmission and substation analysis and investigate system losses and power quality.

• Responsible for evaluating innovative system design solutions to deploy more reliable and cost-effective equipment within our service territory.

• Represent Seattle City Light and coordinates with neighboring utilities, cities, WPP, WECC, Northern Grid on regional transmission planning issues and NERC compliances.

• Perform power flow, under voltage, under frequency, dynamic, and stability studies.

• Assist or lead development of spatial load forecast to identify areas of the system with higher load growth.

• Provide technical advice and serve as technical expert to the department on City Light's electrical power system.

• Create procedures, guidelines, and remedial action for the utility's power system plan.

• Review equipment specifications and contract agreements.

• Familiarity with electric industry organizations.

• Perform Program management functions.

• Prepare and review applicable Federal, Regional, State and city orders, rules regulation, codes, standards for SCL to meet compliance with regulations.

• Potentially perform supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees.

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: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering may be substituted for one year of experience.

Experience: Six years professional electrical system engineering and two additional years advanced experience with defining, interpreting, and organizing major system-wide projects that involve multiple jurisdictions and complex engineering circumstances.

Certification/License:

• Current Professional Engineer state licensure in Washington State is required, or within the United States and up to 12 months after appointment to attain State of Washington registration.

• Current Washington State Driver's License or equivalent mobility.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous or toxic substances, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites. Work in underground utility facilities will require climbing ladders. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays. Overnight travel may be required.

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

• Utility transmission or distribution planning experience and experience with managing projects related to electric utility transmission or distribution engineering design and construction.

• Familiarity with NERC Reliability Compliance, NESC and State regulations.

• Ability to prepare annual, seasonal transmission system assessments and interconnection studies.

• Familiarity with industry standard planning study software such as PowerWorld, GE PSLF, LoadSEER, CYME and/or Gridview.

• Computer skills such as AutoCad, Word, Excel, Access, MS Project and Windows

• Ability to write clear, understandable, and professional letters, memos and reports.

• Ability to give presentations to professional staff, management and government agencies, good verbal communications skills.

• Ability to adapt to shifting and multiple priorities.

• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse workforce.

• Knowledge of SCL infrastructure, construction specification and work practices.

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 $68.92 to $80.92 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.