Electrical Engineer, Assistant - Distribution

Position Description

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.

• Performs detailed design work for equipment installation, station construction or facility projects.
• Performs pencil, ink or computer-aided drafting, as well as necessary computations, in the preparation of preliminary and final plans, schematics, wire diagrams and drawings of the electrical features of distribution systems and related electrical systems.
• Designs, plans and determines requirements for the installation, maintenance, restoration and or relocation of routine distribution and overhead and underground secondary electrical services.
• Recommends preliminary and long-range plans, estimates, budgets, material requirements, final plans, specifications, work orders, instructions, and agreements.
• Reviews final plans, specifications, special conditions and agreements and coordinates the work of electrical contractors, affected public agencies, and crews.
• Provides instructions to field crews and answers questions concerning design issues.
• Monitors progress of construction projects.
• Prepares progress and final reports and estimates.
• Develops and updates computer analysis programs or tracking systems for appropriate projects.
• Surveys sites, recommends design needs or identifies problems and recommends the location of equipment.
• Participates in presentations, special projects and assignments as directed.

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:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) OR expected to obtain the BSEE by October 2026. (If you’re scheduled to obtain the BSEE by October 2026, please attach your college/university transcript.) Other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional Electrical Engineering work will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

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

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

• Computer skills such as AutoCAD, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook and Windows.
• Ability to write clear, understandable and professional letters, memos and reports.
• Excellent verbal communications skills.
• Ability to adapt to shifting and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of SCL infrastructure, construction specification, and work practices.
• Familiarity with National Electric Code (NEC), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and State regulations.
• Knowledge of overhead and underground electrical distribution design and or other related electrical service work.
• Possess a Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly EIT) certificate.

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

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Applicants are considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age,…