EPSE, Principal - Distribution Planning

Full Job Description

City Light’s Engineering and Technology Operations Division is seeking to fill a Principal Electrical Power Systems Engineer position in Distribution Planning.

In this position, you will provide direction to the Utility on regional distribution planning, interconnection, and operational issues.

In addition, you will support and sustain Seattle City Light (SCL) as a high- performing organization by contributing to excellent organizational performance and customer service.

You will also contribute to the vision, mission, and values of SCL through responsible and effective work performance.

This opportunity is for professionally licensed electrical engineers, from any state. If you’re bringing your PE from another state, you will have a year to obtain your Washington State PE by exam or comity. This position will report to the Systems Planning Senior Manager.

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.

Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound.

Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Requirements

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

• Utility planning experience and experience managing projects related to electric utility distribution engineering design and construction.
• Responsible for system planning to meet distribution and/or substation capacity, security and reliability needs.
• Direct/lead team in the planning, design, construction of electrical distribution systems.
• Review and deal with utility-wide and industry-wide distribution issues and strategies.
• Develop/lead planning, operation, and protection studies for the City Light Distribution system for Engineering and customers.
• Responsible for incorporating innovative system design solutions, deploying more reliable and efficient equipment within our service territory.
• Perform power flow, under voltage, under frequency, dynamic, and stability studies.
• Provide technical advice and serve as technical expert to the department on City Light’s electrical power system.
• Create procedures, guidelines, and remedial action for the utility’s power system plan.
• Oversee system planning to meet load and reliability requirements.
• Review equipment specifications and contract agreements.
• Familiarity with electric industry organizations.
• Perform Program management functions.
• Prepare and review applicable Federal, Regional, State and City orders, rules regulation, codes, standards for SCL to meet compliance with regulations.
• Perform lead/supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees in distribution planning, power quality and advanced metering.

Qualifications

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering is required. A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory, lead or management experience.

Experience: This job class requires a total of eight years' experience: Six years professional electrical power systems engineering experience equivalent to the Electrical Power Systems Engineer level, plus an additional two years supervisory, lead or project management experience is required to be a supervising Principal Electrical Power Systems Engineer.

Certification/License:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington is required. (If you have a PE from another state, you will have a year to obtain your Washington State PE by exam or comity.)
• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Utility distribution planning experience and experience managing projects related to electric utility distribution engineering design and construction.
• Familiarity with NERC Reliability Compliance, NESC and State regulations.
• Familiarity with industry standard transmission or distribution software such as PowerWorld, GE PSLF, LoadSEER, and/or CYME.
• Able to develop and write construction guidelines, material/equipment specifications and operating procedures.
• Analytical skills in engineering such as performing faults analysis, load flow, equipment rating, and ampacity calculations.
• Computer skills such as AutoCad, Word, Excel, Access, MS Project and Windows
• Ability to write clear, understandable, and professional letters, memos and reports.
• Ability to give presentations to professional staff, management and government agencies, good verbal communications skills.
• Ability to adapt to shifting and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of SCL infrastructure, construction specification and work practices.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies.

Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations.

Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $84.79 to $99.55 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3.

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.