Power Systems Engineer

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Generation division is seeking a Power Systems Engineer, to join their team. This is an entry-level to mid-level Engineering position that has growth potential into the organization.

Working under the guidance of the Professional Licensed Civil Engineers, this position will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the Dam Safety Surveillance & Monitoring Plan (DSSMP) for Tacoma’s seven High Hazard Dams. The DSSMP monitors the stability and performance of the dam, especially identifying initiation of Potential Failure Modes (PFM). This position will assist in the Dam Safety Workgroups mission of supporting public safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance for Tacoma Power’s Hydroelectric facilities.

We are looking for a candidate who is curious and self-driven with a background in Civil Engineering. While experience in hydropower or dam safety is beneficial, it is not required. The ideal person thrives in a collaborative environment and values input from teammates with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. They ask thoughtful questions, take initiative in their work, and are motivated by tackling technical challenges that support public safety and risk management. Most importantly, they are adaptable and ready to grow within a diverse team dedicated to the safe operation of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric facilities.

This position is expected to conduct site visits to Tacoma’s dams, work from Tacoma Public Utilities office at least three days per week and reside a maximum of 2-hours from Tacoma, WA.

Responsibilities Include:

Support the maintenance, coordination, and implementation of technical monitoring, inspection, and data collection programs for hydropower systems.

Participate in field inspections, site visits, and evaluations to verify conditions, document observations, and identify any unusual or concerning trends.

Assist in organizing, collecting, and performing initial review of technical data, including preparing charts, graphs, photos, and summary reports to inform engineering evaluation.

Provide support in the selection, installation, verification, and documentation of instrumentation or field-monitoring equipment used for performance evaluation.

Contribute to the development, updating, and delivery of training materials and programs related to monitoring procedures, field practices, and technical workflows.

Assist with engineering analyses, calculations, and technical investigations that support assessments of infrastructure condition, performance, and reliability.

Support the preparation, organization, and maintenance of technical documentation, regulatory materials, and internal program guidance.

Provide preliminary technical observations and communicate findings to senior engineering staff for further review and decision-making.

Participate in the coordination of consultant-performed work, including reviewing deliverables, tracking progress, and supporting scope, schedule, and budget management.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, natural resources, operations, & technical staff) to support safe, reliable, and compliant operation of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric dams.

Maintain awareness of updates in applicable regulations, standards, guidelines, and best practices, and support integration of those updates into program materials.

Participate in professional development activities to strengthen skills in engineering analysis, monitoring practices, and infrastructure evaluation.

Qualifications

Power Systems Engineer Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience

2 years of engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Driver's License

Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Power Systems Engineer, Associate Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience

0-1 years depending upon assignment

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

AS ASSIGNED:

Washington State Driver's License

Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Preferred Qualification:

ABET accredited civil engineering program

Engineer in Training

Knowledge & Skills

Basic understanding of Concrete Structures, Soil Mechanics, and Hydraulics.

Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience

Strong Observational Skills

Strong Organizational Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate must have the ability to produce coherent documents submitted to external agencies.

The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

The ability to analyze and display data to identify statistical trends and relationships with off-the-shelf software or self-written code.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Pay Details:

Power Systems Engineer

Annual Salary: $113,568.00- $159,910.40

Power Systems Engineer, Associate

Annual Salary: $98,280.00- $138,320.00

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, 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. 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, we're 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 Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's 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

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