Power Systems Engineer

City of Tacoma (WA)

Tacoma, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$98,280–$184,808 Per Year
SKILLS
Capital Project, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Security, Construction, Construction Planning, Dental Insurance, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Electromechanics, Engineering, Facebook, Government, Identify Issues, Licensing, LinkedIn, Maintenance - Electrical, Microprocessor, Microsoft Word, Military, Power Engineering, Power Transmission, Professional Engineer, Project/Program Management, Regulations, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Codes, Schedule Development, Schematics, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), System Operations, Team Player, Technical Support, Time Management, Training Program, Vision Plan, Work From Home
LOCATION
Tacoma, WA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Power Systems Engineer

Salary

$98,280.00 - $184,808.00 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

T0440-26A

Department

Power

Division

Power - T&D

Opening Date

05/26/2026

Closing Date

6/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

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 Powers 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*

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

0-1 years depending upon assignment

Power Systems Engineer

Minimum Education*

Bachelors 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*

Bachelors 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 must apply 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, were 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, youll 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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

01

Do you have a bachelors degree in electrical engineering or directly related field? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have the following experience and/or training? Please check all that apply. *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

  • 0-1 years engineering experience
  • 2 years of engineering experience in a power utility
  • 4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility
  • Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer

03

Will you have graduated with a bachelors degree in electrical engineering by June 30th, 2026?

  • Yes
  • No

04

One of the Citys Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

05

Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.

  • Job Interest Card notification
  • Internet search
  • Professional organization
  • Military organization
  • Union job posting
  • City of Tacoma employee
  • Online job board posting
  • Word of mouth
  • LinkedIn
  • TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)
  • Indeed
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Government Jobs
  • NWPPA
  • Outreach Event

06

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov

About the Company

C

City of Tacoma (WA)