Controls Lead

Tacoma Power's Transmission & Distribution (T&D) division is looking for a Controls Lead (Power Systems Engineer PE, Principal) to join their team! This senior-level engineering role leads a team of three controls engineers and serves as a subject matter expert for Power System Controls. This team supports the safe and reliable operation of Tacoma Power's electric system and is responsible for designing and continuously improving T&D and generation protection, metering, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in partnership with Utility Technology Services, Generation, Power Management, Reliability & Compliance, and other T&D personnel.

Responsibilities Include:

* Develop, review and issue settings for distribution, transmission and generation protection schemes, including transmission lines, distribution feeders, transformers, generators, capacitors, and buses, as applied in the electric utility industry.

* Commission protection, metering, and SCADA system as applied in the electric utility industry.  

* Prepare test procedures for substation control systems.

* Review, develop and/or update substation operations manuals and/or special operational cautions

* Develop and/or review control circuitry test procedures and lead on-site testing for compliance with NERC standard PRC-005.

* Oversee testing by relay technicians, meter technicians, communications technicians, and/or wire electricians.

* Design, markup, review, and issue one-line diagrams, three-wire diagrams, control schematics, communications block diagrams, communications pin-out diagrams, panel wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings for protection, metering, and SCADA systems as applied in the electric utility industry.  

* Develop, review, and issue SCADA points lists or configurations as applied in the electric utility industry.  

* Consult with system operations and available data in installed equipment to identify quantity and types of status, metering, and control points.

* Specify, select, and procure relays, meters, remote terminal units (RTUs), servers, and other devices used in protection, metering, and SCADA systems according to documented procedures and as applied in the electric utility industry.

* Support system operations and field crews with system maintenance and troubleshooting.

* Supervise and stamp designs of non-licensed team members.

* Act as subject matter expert on a number of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance standards.

Minimum Education
* Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience
* 5 years of experience in power engineering including 2 years as a licensed Professional Engineer working in the electrical power industry

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

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer

Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)

Apply

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 and passing a background check.

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, we're 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. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $ - $

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

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 Neogov system, call the applicant support line at between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

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