Civil Engineer, Senior

Civil Engineer, Senior

Salary

$74.99 - $87.31 Hourly

Location

Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA

Job Type

Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time

Job Number

2026-01360

Department

Seattle City Light

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

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 Seattles electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The Engineering & Technology Operations (ETO) Division has an opportunity for a Senior Civil Engineer as a project engineer on the most technically complex, visible and/or high-priority projects and programs within the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Unit. These projects require a high level of technical proficiency as well as coordinative/administrative responsibility. In this position, you will supervise and perform senior-level professional civil engineering work in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal public works, utilities, and services projects. This position reports to the Civil Engineer, Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Work with multiple engineering disciplines and work units to coordinate work efforts.

• Lead or serve as the project engineer on the most technically complex, visible and/or controversial projects or programs involving several design specialties (e.g., drainage, water and wastewater systems and facilities, SPCC plans, civil infrastructure of hydroelectric generation and substation facilities, marine and boat facilities, bridges and roadway improvements, and geologic hazard mitigation including landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, and riverbank stabilization).

• Support the Underground Cable Replacement Program and hydro-relicensing and implementation with document review, engineering studies, research and civil engineering support, as needed.

• Perform preliminary through final design plans, prepare design criteria, reports, calculations and models for civil engineering projects, and construction support.

• Prepare cost estimates, engineering and feasibility reports and studies for public works projects and utility improvements.

• Prepare technical specifications and plans, project schedules, progress and final reports and estimates.

• Serve as divisional reviewer of final plans, specifications, estimates, and agreements. Coordinate and oversee work of contractors, affected public agencies, and utility crews.

• Prepare and administer consultant and construction contracts and scopes of work, monitor contract progress, and review invoices for approval.

• Serve as a civil engineering Subject Matter Expert.

• Meet with the public and representatives of other agencies and City departments to discuss current or proposed projects.

• Make presentations and act as team leader on special projects as assigned.

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:

Requires five years' professional civil engineering experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience, which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington is required.
• Current Washington State drivers license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

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

• A Master of Science in Civil Engineering or coursework toward an advanced degree.
• A background in urban municipal utility infrastructure design with experience in site development and grading, hydraulics and drainage, domestic water supply or wastewater systems, roadway and pavement design, geologic hazards evaluation and mitigation, erosion and sedimentation control, marine and boat facilities, and river/stream engineering.
• Experience reading, interpreting and creating design plans, specifications, construction schedules, and other construction documents.
• Experience working with a wide range of people in a team environment to provide solutions that are operationally sound, and environmentally and financially responsible.
• Experience prioritizing work to meet project deadlines and adapting to shifting priorities with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Experience leading the technical aspects of projects from start to finish and bringing new and innovative ideas.
• Desire and ability to become a division and utility resource in their area of expertise and to mentor younger engineers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are highly desirable.

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.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $74.99 to $87.31 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 Citys 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.

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 Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

01

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• JD/Doctorate Degree
• None of the Above

02

If you have a Bachelors Degree (or higher), is it in either Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology?

• Yes
• No
• I have no degree

03

How much professional civil engineering experience do you have?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 to 6 years
• 6 to 7 years
• 7 to 8 years
• 8 to 9 years
• 9 to 10 years
• More than 10 years

04

Are you currently a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Washington?

• Yes, I am a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington
• No, I am not a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington

05

Please briefly describe how your skills and experience match the required and desired qualifications for this position ("see resume" or similar is not an acceptable answer).

06

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State Drivers License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain a valid Washington State Drivers License by the time of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain a valid Washington State Drivers License.

07

Employees working for the City of Seattle are required to meet the Mayoral mandate of January 2025 to work in the office a minimum of three (3) days per week. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

To participate in the hiring process, Seattle City Light requires strict confidentiality of all related information, including any discussions outside the workplace. This ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the process. This obligation applies during and after the hiring process. Do you understand and agree to maintain this confidentiality?

• Yes, I understand and agree.
• No, I do not agree.

Required Question

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs