Energy​/Utilities Engineer

Energy/Utilities Engineer III

Salary Consideration:
Range Step A ($84,528) – Step L ($110,952) annually.

Recruitment is open until July 29, 2026 at 11:59pm.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) seeks an Energy/Utilities Engineer III to serve as the agency’s principal technical expert on telecommunications engineering and emerging technologies within the Energy Transformation Section.

Hybrid role; incumbent must reside in Washington state and be available to report to the UTC headquarters in Lacey, Washington when needed.

Moderate travel across Washington and possibly outside the state may be required.

• Investigates, evaluates, and analyzes interrelated engineering, legal, policy, and technical aspects of tariff revisions, utility processes, and commission policies.
• Monitors quality‑of‑service outage reports from telecommunications companies and provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with UTC standards.
• Assesses emerging technologies, cybersecurity practices, and federal regulatory issues such as those from the FCC, RF interference, and NESC.
• Develops and presents staff recommendations on new technologies, best‑practice policy statements, and technical testimony in formal hearings.
• Collaborates with policy, legal, and consumer protection staff to draft engineering support for commission actions.
• Reviews pole attachments and ensures compliance with state regulations and industry standards.
• Negotiates solutions and represents the UTC on industry task forces or panels related to telecommunications.
• Maintains technical proficiency and communicates commission positions to outside groups.

• 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, with at least one year involving design, construction, or maintenance of radio or wire communication systems.
• Advanced degree substitutes for one year of experience.
• Six years of progressively responsible engineering experience in utilities, energy, or regulatory oversight with emphasis on legacy networks (PSTN, T1), wireless networks (4G LTE, 5G), or high‑speed fiber.

Telecommunications

• Advanced knowledge of packet‑switched telephony, SS7, telephone switch operations, number portability, and outside plants.
• Familiarity with national and international design and transport standards such as Bell Core, COCAG, Smart Grid Security and Privacy, NESC, IETF, ISDN, ATM, MPT‑SL, Ethernet, and SONET.
• Understanding of industry business interests, cybersecurity best practices, and policy issues.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus – responsive to internal and external customers.
• Results Focus – accepts personal accountability for results.
• Communication Skills – effective reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Adaptability – open to new ideas and constructive change.
• Self‑Development – proactive learning and development.

• Advanced degree in electrical, civil, computer, network, telecommunications, mechanical, or industrial engineering.
• Three or more years of team or project management experience.
• Expertise in wireline communications systems engineering, mobile and microwave radio communications engineering.
• Knowledge of engineering economics, FCC regulations, traffic handling, and regulatory hearings.
• Experience developing short‑ and long‑range plans, collaborating with government agencies, and negotiating policy outcomes.

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• State retirement program and deferred compensation plan.
• Minimum 14 days of vacation, 11 paid holidays, and 1 personal holiday per year, plus sick leave.

The UTC is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees fairly and equally regardless of age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their redacted DD‑214, NGB‑22, or a signed verification of service letter. Personal identifying data must be obscured.