Engineer III

About the Role

The Distribution Capacity Planner in this position will focus on improving the capacity and operating performance of the distribution system, aligning with the integration of smart grid devices and systems. This role provides advanced professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets, contributing sound technical expertise to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective outcomes.

You will independently schedule and coordinate major segments of complex projects, proactively managing scope, cost, and schedule to meet project objectives. This includes leading the review of engineering designs and documentation to ensure rigorous compliance with PSE standards, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements. You will apply strong technical judgment to interpret, apply, and adapt engineering guidelines, principles, and practices to assignments of substantial complexity.

This role also involves identifying potential risks and issues early, recommending effective solutions with minimal oversight, and actively supporting the development of PSE’s engineering workforce through mentoring and knowledge sharing. You will demonstrate reliability and technical readiness to support emergency response operations and uphold safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and/or modify available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Prepare complex designs, standards, studies, and analyses.
• Provide detailed design reviews of internal or external technical documents.
• Prepare cost estimates and evaluations for project alternatives with minimal supervision.
• Plan and develop project budgets with appropriate documentation.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identify potential areas of weakness in assigned work and initiate corrective action.
• Document and share work to strengthen skills within the department’s engineering workforce.
• Tailor problem solutions to PSE’s business environment.
• Support emergency response work, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and system failures.
• Lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others assisting on specific projects (including contractors/consultants).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil, or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating, and scheduling (typically achieved after five or more years of practice as a degreed engineer).
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiarity with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Benefits

PSE offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Voluntary options: supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long-term savings: 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $94,300.00 - $156,900.00, and this position is eligible for annual goal-based incentive bonuses.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening, including screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.