Power Systems Engineer, Associate

Full Job Description

Tacoma Power's Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Section is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Power Systems Engineer, Associate in their System Planning and Operations division.

In this role, you will perform system model maintenance, system studies and compliant supports. This position participates with other team members in an on-call rotation to provide24/7 support to System Operations.

Responsibilities Include:

Design, maintain, and analyze the Tacoma Power Electric Power System:

• Manage, maintain, and provide updated system data to WECC for the compilation of the base cases used for system modeling, studies, and analyses.
• Manage, maintain, and provide updated real-time system model data to RCWest or its successor for system modeling, studies, and analyses.
• Support the real-time applications such as state estimator, contingency analysis, voltage stability and transient stability.
• Ensure robust, high-quality solutions by tuning the network model and correcting issues with real-time telemetry, models, etc.
• Perform new EMS model validation tests and ensure that the models that are moved to the production systems are high quality and well-tested.
• Assist in performing annual system stability and power flow studies per NERC requirements
• Submit analysis information to regional planning entities as required throughout the year.
• Perform system analyses and provide recommendations in support of system operators/dispatchers in the planning and coordination of upcoming planned transmission outages to ensure that system performance and reliability criteria are maintain during the planned events.
• Assist in performing power flow, stability and capacity studies, contingency analyses and make recommendations in support of internal and external customer requests impacting Tacoma Power's transmission and distribution systems, including leading teams to participate in the study, writing the report, and providing recommendations for implementation.
• Conduct engineering studies and projects, and make recommendations to enhance and improve the efficiency, performance, and reliability of Tacoma Power's distribution and transmission systems.
• Support distribution planning development such as area and system feeder enhancements, downtown infrastructure, etc. Work with other groups to develop ideas, alternatives, cost, timeframes, and consensus for project integration and implementation.
• Develop and maintain the software of the power system models for the transmission and distribution systems.
• Conduct surveys, load forecasts, plans, studies and cost estimates related to various projects and programs.
• Plan, design, and assist in implementing new distribution and transmission facilities.
• Assist in transmission planning development, such as new or revised interconnections with BPA, bus reconfiguration at major transmission substations, nomogram updates, etc.
• Support other departments of Tacoma Power as needed for design and analysis.

Prepare material for NERC Readiness and WECC Compliance Audits.

• Determine changes, enhancement of processes, plans, and documentation to fulfill requirements.
• Coordinate with other groups as necessary.
• Develop and report Tacoma Power compliance adherence to NERC Standards.
• Investigate compliance issues and mitigation plans as necessary to ensure that Tacoma Power maintains compliance.
• Coordinate with other groups to ensure changes to our system in accordance with regional standards.
• Support and participate in Under Frequency Load Shed (UFLS) and Under Voltage Load Shed (UVLS) committees for data collection

Requirements

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field (at time of appointment)

Minimum Experience*
0-1 years depending upon assignment

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

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
AS ASSIGNED:
Washington State Driver's License

Additional Information

A Commitment to Equity & DiversityAt 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.

Tacoma PowerTacoma 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.

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

Apply

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references, passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen and physical ability test.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $98,280.00 - $138,320.00

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.