Principal Power Systems Professional Engineer

Job Description:

Principal Power Systems Professional Engineer

Description

Position Description

Join Tacoma Power’s Transmission & Distribution team and help us deliver safe, reliable, and resilient power to our community. This senior-level engineering role leads a team of three distribution line engineers and serves as a subject matter expert for complex overhead and underground distribution design (15 kV & below). You will shape system improvements, guide standards, and ensure the integrity of the distribution network that powers Tacoma.

Primary Responsibilities:
Advanced Distribution Engineering

• Oversee complex design of overhead and underground distribution facilities.
• Evaluate and acquire engineering tools to be used by the team.
• Perform structure & pole-strength calculations, along with wire clearance & stringing analysis using tools such as SPIDAcalc, PLS-CADD and SAG10.
• Design underground cable systems (15kV 600-800A Feeder, & 200A URD) using cable-pulling analysis tools and incorporate into conduit & vault layout.
• Apply advanced knowledge of function & applications of protective devices, transformers, switches, switchgear, regulators, and capacitors.
• Production of work order designs ensuring they meet Tacoma Power Standards, NESC (ANSI C2), and worker-safety requirements (WAC 296 / OSHA 1926).

Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner across Tacoma Power to deliver safe, efficient, customer-focused solutions:

• Support Line and Substation Operations (Construction & Maintenance) as a technical resource.
• Coordinate work effort and internal procedures with T&D Engineering, Planning, Safety, Real Property, Procurement, Standards, and Warehouse teams.
• Engage with Account Executives and Customer Experience on customer impacted projects.
• Review permits, easements, and public documents affecting the operating rights of Tacoma Power facilities.
• Support Joint Use and telecommunications pole-attachment reviews and estimates.
• Support New Service Engineering projects with related temporary & permanent system improvement designs and cost estimates.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a three-engineer distribution line design team.
• Oversee design quality, work order development, with the application of PE stamp where required.
• Guide work ranging from single-structure modifications to large multi-stakeholder system upgrades.

Project & Budget Management

• Manage biennial budget funds related to facility relocations, OH-to-UG conversions, and asset-management replacements.
• Serve as Project Manager/Lead when needed-developing scope, schedules, estimates, resource requirements, and communication plans.
• Track project performance and implement corrective actions.
• Represent Tacoma Power on externally driven projects (WSDOT, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma, etc.) and support development of interagency agreements.

Qualifications

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

* Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

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

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.
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 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.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.65
Annual Salary: $151,652.08 - $213,512.00

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 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: 1/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$151,652.80 - $213,512.00 Annually