Power Systems Civil Engineer PE, Principal

Job Description:

Power Systems Civil Engineer PE, Principal

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Power is seeking a principal level Civil Engineer to join the civil team in the Generation Engineering Section. This role will serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for the design, review, and implementation of large, complex civil infrastructure projects associated with hydroelectric dams, powerhouses, substations and fish facilities. In addition to working closely to support operations and maintenance staff, you will get to design, bid and manage projects from start to finish and have the opportunity to become well-rounded in all aspects of civil engineering, project management and construction management; All while working with other talented and dedicated professionals who have a passion for clean and renewable hydropower.

If you are interested in diverse work, large impactful projects that make a difference, and contributing to the stewardship of some of the largest infrastructure here in beautiful Western Washington, this could be the place for you.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide professional civil engineering services for infrastructure capital improvement projects, ensuring that applicable codes are followed and necessary permits are acquired.
• Provide Operations and Maintenance (O&M) staff with engineering support and problem solving.
• Lead collaborative teams with O&M staff and other Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) to identify a problem, articulate business needs, propose possible solutions, evaluate them, and make a written recommendation for the selected mitigation strategy.
• Support compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dam safety requirements such as performing periodic infrastructure inspections, improving/creating standard operating plans, and providing written correspondence.
• Collaborate and coordinate with Dam Safety, Hydro Operations, Power Management, Transmission and Distribution, and Fish Operations during all phases of a project to ensure alignment and that organizational needs are considered and met.
• Lead and manage new projects through all phases of planning, design, engineering calculations, preparation of drawings and specifications, and the procurement/bidding process.
• Coordinate and manage all phases of construction from award of contract through completion, as-building, and closeout.
• Administer contractual agreements with outside consultants and suppliers.
• Support execution of strategic initiatives related to dam safety, asset management, project delivery and other important improvement efforts.
• Serve as an (SME) for specific civil engineering topics (based on your work experience) and provide technical leadership on such issues across Tacoma Public Utilities.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, coaching and support to junior engineers on the civil team and throughout Tacoma Public Utilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical and or civil 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 or civil power industry

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer and maintenance thereafter

** 6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA

This position will occasionally require the ability to dress for inclement weather, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, walk on rough/uneven ground, navigate steep slopes, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and access areas requiring fall protection.

Subject to future change, this is currently a hybrid position that is required to be in the office a minimum of (3) days per week.

Successfully complete Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) training with maintenance thereafter (provided by Tacoma Power).

Successful applicants will need to pass a background check.

Knowledge & Skills

Desired Qualifications

• Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience
  

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, 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 !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At 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.

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

Application Process

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. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

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 6:00a.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.

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.

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: 4/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$151,652.80 - $213,512.00 Annually