Electrical Engineer, Assistant; Joint Use Wireline Engineering

Position Description

Seattle City Light’s (SCL) Joint Use Wireline Engineering Team offers an entry‑level opportunity for an Electrical Engineer Assistant. Joint Use is the sharing of space on a single set of poles with multiple utilities, and our team manages and engineers all non‑SCL attachments on SCL poles. Using the guidelines in the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), we ensure each pole is strong enough for everything attached and that all lines are spaced properly from buildings, roads, sidewalks, and other lines.

This work supports internet access expansion while maintaining public safety.

The role involves civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering tasks with practical construction skills. You’ll gain broad experience in power utility systems, designing transmission and distribution poles, and engaging in all facets of line engineering from the substation to the customer’s meter.

• Design, plan, and determine requirements for installation, maintenance, restoration, or relocation of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems related to customer‑driven projects.
• Ensure lines are safely spaced from buildings, roads, sidewalks, and other lines using NESC.
• Ensure each pole is strong enough to support all attachments using NESC.
• Prepare preliminary and long‑range plans, estimates, budgets, material requirements, specifications, work orders, instructions, and operating and maintenance procedures.
• Prepare construction documents and monitor construction progress.
• Provide instructions to field crews and answer design‑related questions.
• Use 3D CAD, AutoCAD, and other software to model poles and create engineering instructions in accordance with SCL standards.
• Participate in presentations, special projects, and other Joint Use related assignments as directed.
• Assist other work groups within the Joint Use team as needed.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or an expected BSEE by June 2026 (attach transcript if applicable). Other educational or experiential combinations will be considered.
• Knowledge of overhead and underground electrical distribution design and related electrical service work.
• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse workforce.
• Prior construction or technical maintenance experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities independently.
• Willingness to learn, accept responsibility, and comply with safety rules.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, construction schedules, contracts, and other construction documents.
• BSEE focused on power systems (Bachelor’s in Civil or Mechanical engineering also beneficial).
• Strong computer skills, especially with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, WAMS, Spida Calc, ikeGPS, and Alden One or similar applications.

• Most work is performed in a normal city office environment.
• Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, high‑voltage energized equipment, and construction sites.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with regular duties—to support emergency operations. Participation is required and vital to community service.

The full salary range for this position is $49.16 to $53.15 per hour.

Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on verification of credentials and required background checks in compliance with the City of Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17, and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be given an opportunity to explain or correct background information.