EPSE - Distribution Systems Engineering

Posting number: 2026-00964

Department: Seattle City Light

Job classification: Electrical Power Systems Engineer

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Professional, Utilities

Summary

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. 

City Light is seeking two Electrical Power System Engineers with expertise in both overhead & underground distribution systems to join the North Distribution Systems Engineering Unit at the North Service Center. In this role, you will work on large service projects, cable replacements, overhead and underground equipment replacements, distribution automation improvement efforts, system reliability improvements, system expansions or capacity improvements, as well as Capital Projects including the University of Washington, South Lake Union, Sound Transit, WSDOT 520, and other customer-driven projects. You will also provide technical training and mentorship for junior members of the team, including review of other engineers’ work, and proper approval and PE stamping. You will play a major role as an SME in the design engineering process, offering advance information to developers and customers prior to their detailed design. If you are bringing your PE certification from another state, you will have 12 months to obtain a Washington State PE via test or comity.

These positions will be assigned to the North Service Center and will report to the Systems Engineering Supervisor.

Examples of duties

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Performing the planning and design of the overhead and underground electrical system and large services for the Department’s residential, commercial, and industrial customers;
• Ensuring that the projects are prioritized and designed properly and promptly, and that appropriate design guidelines and sound engineering principles are utilized;
• Preparing and issuing cost estimates, customer construction drawings, customer requirement documents, service installation drawings and material requirements according to design guidelines;
• Performing project management on large, service and system related projects such as the University of Washington, South Lake Union, Sound Transit, WSDOT 520, and other customer-driven projects;
• Performing special projects as assigned by the supervisor or manager;
• Developing and training engineers and coaching non-engineers about electrical design and safety; 
• Performing Plan Review of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and private Street Use contracts; 
• Reviewing City of Seattle capital projects, Land Use, UMP, SIP, and MUP plan sets;
• Providing electrical engineering design support to other Seattle City Light units as well as other City of Seattle departments, suburban cities and outside agencies.

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: 

Requires six years of progressively responsible, difficult and highly complex or visible electrical power systems engineering experience and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional electrical engineering work on major electrical power systems.

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, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites. Work in underground utility facilities will require climbing ladders. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays. Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Professional Engineer state licensure within the United States and up to 12 months after appointment to attain State of Washington registration.

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

• Knowledge of electrical power engineering and experience in any of the following disciplines: Transmission, Planning, Substations or Distribution Engineering is highly desir