Power Systems Engineer, Associate

Overview

Tacoma Power's Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Section is seeking a Power Systems Engineer, Associate in their System Planning and Operations division. In this role, you will perform system model maintenance, system studies and compliant supports. The position participates in an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support to System Operations.

• Design, maintain, and analyze the Tacoma Power Electric Power System:
  Manage, maintain, and provide updated system data to WECC for the compilation of the base cases used for system modeling, studies, and analyses.
• Manage, maintain, and provide updated real-time system model data to RCWest or its successor for system modeling, studies, and analyses.
• Support the real-time applications such as state estimator, contingency analysis, voltage stability and transient stability.
• Ensure robust, high-quality solutions by tuning the network model and correcting issues with real-time telemetry, models, etc.
• Perform new EMS model validation tests and ensure that the models that are moved to the production systems are high quality and well-tested.
• Assist in performing annual system stability and power flow studies per NERC requirements.
• Submit analysis information to regional planning entities as required throughout the year.
• Perform system analyses and provide recommendations in support of system operators/dispatchers in the planning and coordination of upcoming planned transmission outages to ensure that system performance and reliability criteria are maintained during the planned events.
• Assist in performing power flow, stability and capacity studies, contingency analyses and make recommendations in support of internal and external customer requests impacting Tacoma Power's transmission and distribution systems, including leading teams to participate in the study, writing the report, and providing recommendations for implementation.
• Conduct engineering studies and projects, and make recommendations to enhance and improve the efficiency, performance, and reliability of Tacoma Power's distribution and transmission systems.
• Support distribution planning development such as area and system feeder enhancements, downtown infrastructure, etc. Work with other groups to develop ideas, alternatives, cost, time frames, and consensus for project integration and implementation.
• Develop and maintain the software of the power system models for the transmission and distribution systems.
• Conduct surveys, load forecasts, plans, studies and cost estimates related to various projects and programs.
• Plan, design, and assist in implementing new distribution and transmission facilities.
• Assist in transmission planning development, such as new or revised interconnections with BPA, bus reconfiguration at major transmission substations, nomogram updates, etc.
• Support other departments of Tacoma Power as needed for design and analysis.

• Determine changes, enhancement of processes, plans, and documentation to fulfill requirements.
• Coordinate with other groups as necessary.
• Develop and report Tacoma Power compliance adherence to NERC Standards.
• Investigate compliance issues and mitigation plans as necessary to ensure that Tacoma Power maintains compliance.
• Coordinate with other groups to ensure changes to our system in accordance with regional standards.
• Support and participate in Under Frequency Load Shed (UFLS) and Under Voltage Load Shed (UVLS) committees for data collection.

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field (at time of appointment)

0-1 years depending upon assignment

* Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

AS ASSIGNED:
Washington State Driver's License

At the City of Tacoma, we are on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Pay Details:
Annual Salary: 98,280.

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement, please contact the Human Resources office at  by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. For technical difficulties using the system, call the applicant support line at between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position. Appointment is subject to references, background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen and physical ability test.