Energy​/Utilities Engineer

Energy/Utilities Engineer 3

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Salary Consideration: Range 67, Step A ($84,528) – Step L ($110,952) annually. Application will be based on qualifications;
Step M is the typical longevity step.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) seeks an Energy/Utilities Engineer 3 within the Energy Transformation Section of the Regulatory Services Division. The role contributes to the commission’s statewide public safety engineering programs in telecommunications, overseeing compliance, and supporting emerging technologies.

Hybrid position; must reside in Washington State and be available to report to Lacey, WA headquarters. Moderate state‑wide travel may be required.

The Engineer 3 will:

• Investigate, evaluate, and analyze interrelated engineering, legal, policy, and technical aspects of tariff revisions, company processes, commission policies, and telecommunications filings.
• Serve as the agency’s principal technical expert on telecom engineering, emerging technologies, and compliance with rules, regulations, and standards.
• Monitor quality‑of‑service outage reports, verify compliance with UTC service standards, and investigate service quality problems.
• Provide technology‑analysis direction, assistance, and coordination at the state and federal level on engineering and policy issues related to public switched telephone networks and newer packet‑switched IP technologies.
• Apply cybersecurity best practices to the telecommunications industry and support new‑generation services in FCC, RF interference, NESC, and other federal issues.
• Represent UTC on industry task forces or panels, maintain technical proficiency, and communicate commission positions to outside groups.
• Review telecommunication pole attachments for regulatory and safety compliance.
• Negotiate, discuss, and recommend solutions for complaints, company programs, service quality, and other telecommunications concerns.
• Provide written and oral testimony in formal hearings and serve as an engineering consultant to Commissioners and staff.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• Two years of progressively responsible engineering experience in telecommunications, utilities, energy, or regulatory oversight; at least one year in design, construction, or maintenance of radio or wire communications systems. An advanced degree may substitute for one year of experience.

OR:

• Six years of progressively responsible engineering experience in utilities, energy, or regulatory oversight in telecommunications, with emphasis on legacy networks and wireless networks.

Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in:

• The telecommunications industry—packet‑switched telephony, SS7, network operations, signal protocols, planning, and security.
• National and international standards:
  Bell Core, COCAG, Smart Grid Security and Privacy, NESC, IETF, ISDN, ATM, MPLS, Ethernet, SONET.
• Business interests of regulated and non‑regulated providers.
• Core competencies:
  
  customer focus, results focus, communication skills, adaptability, and self‑development.

Desired:

• Advanced degree in electrical, civil, computer, network, telecommunications, mechanical, or industrial engineering.
• Project management or team leadership experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of FCC rules, NESC standards, FCC regulations, and regulatory hearings.
• Experience in developing long‑range plans, participating in regulatory proceedings, and negotiating solutions.
• Experience leading innovation and change in agency processes.

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
• Flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance for employees and families.
• State retirement enrollment and deferred compensation plan.
• Minimum 14 days vacation leave, 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, and accruing sick leave.

The UTC is an equal‑opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, religious or political affiliation.

Applicants seeking Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their redacted DD‑214, NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter. For further information, contact UTC Human Resources at human resources.gov
.