EPSE, Distribution Systems Engineering

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities. The utility is a national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship and is seeking an Electrical Power Systems Engineer (EPSE) specializing in overhead and underground distribution systems for customer and systems engineering applications.

Responsibilities

• Exercise technical expert judgement as lead engineer on long‑term projects involving planning and development of electric power systems for distribution, conversion, measurement, and control of electricity.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in selection, procurement, installation, testing, acceptance, operation, and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, structures, materials, and related systems.
• Develop power‑stabilization and system‑capacity improvement projects and long‑range system‑wide plans.
• Test electrical power system interfaces and assess effects of integration designs and modifications.
• Plan and operate to meet 26 kV distribution capacity, security, and reliability needs on behalf of Seattle City Light.
• Prepare specifications and evaluate bids for new technical electrical equipment installations to meet compliance requirements.
• Prioritize projects and ensure appropriate design guidelines and sound engineering principles are utilized.
• Prepare and issue cost estimates, customer construction drawings, customer requirements documents, service installation drawings, and material requirements according to design guidelines.
• Perform project management on large service or system capital‑improvement projects, such as feeder replacement and system rebuild.
• Execute special projects as assigned by the supervisor or manager.
• Review final engineering plans, specifications, and agreements; provide leadership, mentorship, and training to junior technical engineering staff.

Required Qualifications

• Six years of progressively responsible, difficult, and highly complex electrical power systems engineering experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent education/experience that prepares for professional electrical engineering work on major power systems).
• Current Washington State driver’s license or equivalent mobility evidence.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in any U.S. state; must obtain Washington State registration within 12 months of appointment.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity and/or experience with Wide‑Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS).
• Strong leadership, listening, and people skills; ability to provide direction and guidance on underground and overhead electrical design.
• Experience leading engineering and technical staff.
• Knowledge of underground civil distribution engineering design.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to create and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities and work effectively in a diverse team.
• Willingness to learn, accept responsibility, comply with safety rules, and work independently.

Work Environment & Schedule

• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light’s Emergency Response Program assigns each employee a role aligned with regular duties to support emergency operations. Participation is required to help the utility stay prepared and serve the community during emergencies.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $79.13 to $92.88 per hour.

Benefits

Seattle City Light offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information is available on the City of Seattle’s Human Resources website.