Engineer III

Job Description

Puget Sound Energy's Transmission Strategy and Markets department is looking for an Engineer to join our team! The Engineer provides technical advice to management on complex issues and prepares engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations. This person will provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric transmission facilities and assets as we develop a long-haul transmission strategy. This will include knowledge and analysis of the interconnected transmission systems and the applicable FERC, NERC, WECC, and PSE Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) requirements that govern Transmission Planning and Operations. This role will interpret and apply existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments with a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements requiring considerations not previously encountered. The Engineer also works on project teams to support the successful completion of projects designed to reinforce the energy delivery or power generation systems. Work on assignments is also performed with the goal of growing the Engineer's technical and managerial knowledge about PSE processes and systems. The ideal candidate supports emergency response operations when needed,

The Engineer will uphold the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. This individual will promote a culture of total safety. They will also demonstrate a commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically, and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct and ensure that duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance regulations.

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.

This position is posted at an Engineer III and Senior level. Please apply to the role that most closely matches your level of experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform studies and analyses to identify electric transmission system needs and develop infrastructure projects to address Public Policy, balancing needs, and support the delivery of utility scale renewable resources to PSE's service territory.
  • Develop transmission system models in consideration of applicable load and resource forecasts and expected system topology over a 10- to 20-year planning horizon.
  • Complete complex power system modeling, simulation, and analysis using advanced power system analysis programs, such as PowerWorld, PLEXOS, and GridView.
  • Interpret available codes, standards, requirements, and guidelines for application to identified system needs and the development of infrastructure projects to address those needs.
  • Work with adjacent utilities and regional partners where coordination is needed.
  • Create and review cost estimates and perform economic cost/benefit analysis for project alternatives.
  • Plan and develop project budgets with appropriate documentation.
  • Document project need and solution justification for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets.
• Participate in external committees such as those at NERC or WECC, as needed.
• Represent PSE at appropriate regional transmission planning forums, such as those at NorthernGrid and Western Power Pool (WPP), as needed.
  • Engage directly with regional partners on issues of joint concern.
• Ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards applicable to the Transmission Planner and/or Planning Coordinator.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FERC regulatory requirements as outlined in PSE's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
  • Participate in public meetings related to PSE's transmission plans as needed.
  • Complete Economic Studies as requested.
• Coordinate with internal teams and participate in cross-departmental workgroups with Local Transmission System Planning, Transmission Strategy, Transmission Policy and Contracts, Load Forecasting, Substation Engineering, Electric Transmission Engineering, and System Protection, among others.
• Maintain knowledge of industry developments and best practices and their application at PSE to further business objectives.
  • Ensure that problem solutions are tailored to PSE's business environment.
• Identify potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiate corrective action.
• Document and share work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE's engineering workforce.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, technicians, or others who assist in specific assignments (including contractors/consultants).
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after 5 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.
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Additional Information