Power Systems Engineer chez City of Tacoma, WA

About the Department

Tacoma Power’s Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Section is seeking a Power System Engineer (Power Systems Engineer or Power Systems Engineer, PE) within its System Planning group. This position is a critical part of our in-house engineering and planning group, responsible for performing some of the most complex technical studies in our industry.

The ideal candidate will be a technical expert in power systems analysis with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and a proven ability to manage complex projects. You will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of Tacoma Power's electric power system. The position participates with other work group members in an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 response during nights and weekends to transmission and distribution outages.

What You'll Do

• Lead Technical Studies: Perform and lead highly complex in-house studies related to power flow, stability, capacity, and contingency analysis. This includes studies for interconnection, distribution and operations planning, as well as economic analysis.

• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Manage and perform annual system stability and power flow studies per NERC requirements, ensuring Tacoma Power's adherence to compliance standards. You will also develop and report on compliance adherence and investigate any issues.

• Provide Strategic Recommendations: Analyze system performance and provide expert recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including system operators and dispatchers. You will lead teams to develop and implement solutions to enhance the efficiency and reliability of our transmission and distribution systems.

• Manage System Models: Design, maintain, and analyze Tacoma Power's electric power system models. You will be responsible for updating system data for regional entities like WECC and NorthernGrid.

• Support Capital Projects: Participate in the planning and design of new distribution and transmission facilities, including developing alternatives, cost estimates, and timelines in collaboration with other departments.

• Conduct Research and Reporting: Perform surveys, load forecasts, and cost estimates for various projects. You will also prepare and present a variety of documents and reports for management, public utility boards, and other groups.

• Collaborate and Advise: Work with external consultants, administer contracts, and serve as a representative on various internal and external committees. You will also respond to and investigate customer questions and complaints.

What We're Looking For

• Expert-level knowledge of power systems analysis, including power flow, stability, and capacity studies.

• Strong understanding of NERC and WECC standards, with a focus on FAC and TPL requirements.

• Proven ability to manage complex technical studies from start to finish, including writing reports and presenting recommendations.

• Experience with power system modeling software including PowerWorld and Synergi

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, and customers.

• The ability to independently manage projects and make sound engineering recommendations.

Position Duties

Power Systems Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field*
• 2 years of engineering experience in a power utility*

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field*
• 4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility*
• Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer

Other Qualifications

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and 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.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. 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.

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.

• Power Systems Engineer:
  • Hourly Rate: $53.02- $74.64
  • Annual Salary: $110,281.60- $155,251.20
• Power Systems Engineer, PE:
  • Hourly Rate: $61.26- $86.25
  • Annual Salary: $127,420.80- $179,400.00

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.