EPSE, Principal - Transmission Engineering

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.
  
Seattle City Light’s 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. We currently have a challenging and exciting opportunity for a Senior Engineer in the Transmission Engineering group. This design engineer is required to work within a multi-discipline team to design efficient and reliable electrical transmission lines for both overhead and underground systems. The engineer will coordinate his/her design activities to maintain project schedules and ensure successful project completion. On certain projects, the engineer will also perform the role of Project Engineer to accomplish project mandate. The Principal Electrical Power System Engineer position, in the Transmission Engineering Group, will be 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 will report to the Transmission, Network & Electric Service Engineer Senior Manager.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

The key accountabilities for the Senior Line Design Engineer are: 

• Delivers accurate designs for 115kV to 230kV overhead electrical transmission lines that will meet City Light standards and specifications as well as constructability requirements. This will include route selection, line layout, structure configuration and conductor selection.
• Acts as Professional of Record (POR) for various transmission projects. 
• Prepares technical and project specifications, cost estimates, request for proposal (RFP) and request for tender (RFT) documents for material and equipment purchase and installation.
• Provides guidance and instructions, advice and technical guidance to other engineers and technical support staff. 
• Reviews work of the team and of consultants and contractors to ensure accuracy, achievement of required results, and adherence to accepted engineering practices.
• As "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, and coordinates design activities with multi-disciplined project team. 
• 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.
• Plan and manage capital projects, develop budgets and scopes, and coordinate work; produce periodic reports on project and budget status.

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 is required. A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience.

Experience: This class requires a total of eight years’ experience: Six years’ professional electrical power systems engineering experience equivalent to the Electrical Power Systems Engineer level, plus an additional two years’ supervisory, lead or project management experience is required to be a supervising Principal Electrical Power Systems Engineer. 

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.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Professional Engineer state licensure within the United States and up to 12 months after appointment to attain State of Washington registration.

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

• More than six years of experience in transmission line design
• Experience in transmission system design, planning, maintenance and operations.
• Planning, Substations or Distribution Engineering experience
• Knowledge of and direct experience with electric power system reliability standards 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 oral and written communication skills (especially technical writing), with the ability to create and deliver presentations
• Abilities to handle shifting and multiple priorities and to work as a team member in a diverse workforce
• 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
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills

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.

Emergency Response Commitment: 

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most. 

The full salary range for this position is $81.84 to $96.09 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 accepted.

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 14.17and 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

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