T&D Grid Innovation Power Systems Engineer

Position Description

Tacoma Power is dealing with a lot of change: electrification of more energy needs, aging infrastructure, weather extremes, changing customer expectations, volumes of data and many other things. To deal with these changes and still provide reliable and affordable power to our rate payers, we are working to modernize our system.

Tacoma Power’s Transmission & Distribution (T&D) section is looking to hire a Grid Innovation Engineer, focused on supporting T&D through this modernization. This role will be filled at a Power Systems Engineer, PE level or a Power Systems Engineer, PE Principal level.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the electric power system and industry and stay on top of industry trends. They will help create modernization plans and strategy, screen new technologies and lead pilot/demonstration studies for those that are promising, process data to support grid visibility and analytics and support change management efforts. This Grid Innovation Engineer will report to the Innovation and Asset Management Manager, and work with a team of Asset Management Analyst, as well as cross-functionally throughout the utility.

This is a position that significantly contributes to Tacoma Power’s mission to provide affordable and reliable electric services and supports our vision to be an equitable 21st century utility where employees want to grow, and customers want to stay.

Responsibilities Include:

• Industry Trends - be aware of various drivers impacting electric power utilities and follow industry trends.
• Grid Modernization - take a lead role in developing Grid Modernization plans and implementing Grid Modernization bodies of work. This includes developing programs and resource plans. This involves cross-collaboration across groups and sections.
• Subject Mater Expert - support other groups and sections by being a subject matter expert on the T&D system and/or researching the information needed. This may involve performing engineering analysis, design and developing bid specifications for procurement and construction of a wide range of complex projects.
• Grid Analytics - process volumes of data from sources such as advanced metering infrastructure, supervisory control and data acquisition and acquisition system to provide visibility into grid performance and create action plans based on analysis. This will involve stakeholder engagement, cost/benefit analysis and change management.
• Promote a collaborative and positive team environment, effective communication and knowledge sharing.
• Support organizational and business process change management.

Qualifications

Power Systems Engineer, PE
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility

Power Systems Engineer PE, Principal
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of experience in power engineering including 2 years as a licensed Professional Engineer working in the electrical power industry

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Washington State Driver's License

Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and 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

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen, 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.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

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, you'll 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.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must 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 e-mail folders.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)

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 age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 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.

Closing Date/Time: 3/31/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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