| Location | Tacoma, WA |
| Salary | $131,248–$184,808 Per Year |
Principal Network and Communications Engineer
Salary
$131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Non-Classified
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
T0400-26
Department
Power
Division
Power - Utility Technology Services
Opening Date
09/01/2026
Closing Date
9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of talented network & communication systems Engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of our critical Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. In this role, youll serve as the team lead, senior technical network strategist, and advisor for critical systems that support utility operations-delivering reliability and performance across control centers, substations, remote field environments, and other mission-critical systems.
You'll supervise a small team, guide large infrastructure projects from concept to execution, and play a vital role in the planning, procurement, and lifecycle management of TPU's wide, local, and field area networks. Acting as a key bridge between infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners, you'll help shape TPU's long-term OT strategy while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
This is a leadership-track engineering position designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical capability, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.
Primary Responsibilities
Management
Network Engineer
Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned:
Washington State Drivers License
Depending on assignment, some positions may require the ability to pass additional background checks and/or obtain additional certifications, with maintenance thereafter.
Desired Qualifications
Advanced certifications such as VCP, CCNP, or CISSP.
Experience with:
OT infrastructure in regulated environments (e.g., NERC CIP).
Cisco ecosystem
Nokia MPLS ecosystem
System hardening and secure infrastructure design.
Backup, storage, and disaster recovery in OT environments.
Demonstrated ability to mentor others, lead large cross-functional initiatives, and participate in architectural governance.
Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
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. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A Commitment to Equity & 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.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.
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 6:00a.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.
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.
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
Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.
02
Do you have an equivalent combination to a Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or directly related field AND 5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience including 1 year prior as a subject matter expert/project lead? (Please note, education and experience can be substituted on a year for year basis)
03
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.
04
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
05
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.
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