Operations Technology Engineer, Senior

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a Senior Operations Technology Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure supporting reliable utility operations. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical expert for mission‑critical systems spanning control centers, substations, and remote field sites—ensuring high availability, security, and regulatory compliance across TPU's service territory. You will plan and coordinate complex infrastructure initiatives from concept through execution, with deep expertise in virtualization platforms.

You will collaborate closely with networking, cybersecurity, SCADA, and compliance teams to develop technical standards and contribute to architecture roadmaps. A key aspect of this role is to serve as a subject‑matter expert for NERC CIP compliance requirements, supporting audit preparation and execution. This position requires hands‑on technical leadership across the full lifecycle of OT systems—including hardware, operating systems, virtual server environments, and industrial control systems—performed in alignment with established reliability and regulatory compliance standards.

The successful candidate will bring advanced troubleshooting skills, a strong understanding of best practices in OT environments, and the ability to work effectively across technical and operational teams.

• Plan, design, and implement advanced engineering projects supporting operational technology systems, including preparation of specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Research technical and business requirements; develop and review technical specifications and designs to ensure alignment with operational and compliance standards.
• Lead the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of IT/OT computing and control system infrastructure across control centers, substations, and remote field sites.
• Serve as technical lead and subject‑matter expert for Tacoma Power's private cloud and virtual server environments.
• Assist in the development of technical standards, architecture documents, and long‑term technology roadmaps for OT systems.
• Evaluate, test, and deploy system patches, configuration changes, and updates to maintain cybersecurity posture and system stability.
• Design and develop test plans; review and modify programming; manage system upgrades and improvements.
• Compile and maintain project records; create complex drawings and diagrams documenting technical aspects of industrial control systems, solutions architecture, security, and connectivity.
• Monitor system alarms, events, and trends; perform advanced troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis of issues impacting operational control systems.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert for NERC CIP compliance requirements; prepare technical evidence and documentation to support regulatory audits.
• Analyze system performance logs, optimize configurations, and recommend improvements to ensure high availability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, managing procurement processes and ensuring compliance with design standards, project specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and review RFQ/RFP documents, technical specifications, and design criteria for new technology initiatives.
• Support application engineers and system operators with configuration changes and system updates impacting operations.
• Participate in 24×7 on‑call rotation as a first responder for system incidents and outages.

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field.
• Minimum Experience: 4 years of progressively responsible experience in computer networking, communications engineering, or industrial controls.
• Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements: Washington State Driver's License. Depending on assignment, the position may require the ability to pass additional background checks and/or obtain additional certifications, with maintenance thereafter. Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education.

Annual Salary: $ - $

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma