Engineer II - Distribution Reliability Planning

Job Description

PSE's Electric Distribution Reliability Planning team is looking for an Engineer II to join our team.

The Distribution Reliability Planning group is responsible for evaluating and improving the reliability and resiliency of more than 1,000 distribution circuits operating primarily at 12.5 kV and served by approximately 370 distribution substations throughout PSE's service territory. The team develops data-driven solutions that improve customer reliability, reduce outage risk, support wildfire mitigation initiatives, and advance PSE's grid modernization objectives.

This position provides engineering and analytical support in distribution reliability planning, power system analysis, and the development of reliability improvement projects. The Engineer II works with Capacity Planning, Asset Management, Electric System Design, Construction, System Operations, and other stakeholders to identify system risks, evaluate alternatives, and support solutions that improve electric system performance.

This position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to develop technical recommendations and effectively communicate results. The Engineer II supports emergency response operations when needed and promotes a culture of safety, operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform distribution planning studies and reliability analyses using Synergi Electric and other engineering software tools to evaluate system performance, conduct power flow analysis, and support identification of reliability improvement opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze electric distribution reliability performance, including key metrics such as SAIDI, SAIFI, CEMI, and other operational performance indicators.
• Support the development and evaluation of capital and operational reliability improvement projects that align with PSE's Reliability Strategy, wildfire mitigation initiatives, resiliency objectives, and grid modernization efforts.
• Prepare engineering studies, technical reports, analyses, and project documentation that support planning activities and project development.
• Collaborate with Capacity Planning, Asset Management, Electric System Design, Construction, System Operations, Vegetation Management, and other stakeholders to support reliability improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical support for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric distribution facilities and assets.
• Review engineering designs, project documentation, and proposed solutions to help ensure projects achieve intended reliability benefits and comply with applicable codes, standards, and design requirements.
• Identify system risks, reliability concerns, and opportunities for process improvement, and assist in developing practical engineering solutions.
• Assist in the evaluation of new and emerging technologies, tools, and solutions that support improvements in distribution system reliability, resiliency, and operational performance.
• Interpret and apply engineering principles, company and industry standards, guidelines, and established planning methodologies to assigned work.
• Communicate technical information and recommendations through written reports, presentations, and stakeholder interactions.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts resulting from severe weather events, wildfire-related incidents, and other system disturbances.
• May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, field technicians, contractors, consultants, and others supporting assigned projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after three (3) or more years practice as a degreed engineer).  Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
• Organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with both internal and external customers on projects.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Experience with coordinating external consultants in the execution of a project.
• Possession of EIT certificate and ability to acquire PE license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.

Additional Information