Senior Engineer - Electric RCA

Job Description

This position will be filled at either the Senior Engineer or Principal Engineer level based on education and experience.

Puget Sound Energy is seeking a collaborative and innovative engineer to support the continued development and execution of its electric reliability Root Cause Analysis (RCA) program. This role contributes to improving reliability across PSE's transmission, distribution, and substation systems through technical analysis, problem solving, and strong cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate is naturally curious, highly motivated, and energized by solving complex operational and engineering challenges. They are comfortable working through ambiguous situations, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, and transforming technical findings into actionable recommendations that support business and customer needs. This individual thrives in a collaborative utility environment and brings strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

In this role, the engineer will support and manage reliability-focused RCA activities, perform technical analyses, develop recommendations, prepare reports and presentations, and coordinate with stakeholders across engineering, operations, maintenance, and project management organizations. The position requires balancing engineering judgment, analytical skills, and project coordination while contributing to PSE's reliability objectives and engineering capabilities.

Supports emergency response operations when needed and promotes a culture of safety, collaboration, operational excellence, 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

• Manage and support the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) program, including developing and maintaining RCA tools, templates, processes, reports, and program documentation.
• Prepare complex analyses, studies, reports, presentations, evaluations, and recommendations to support electric system reliability, operational performance, and business decision-making. Clearly communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Interpret and apply engineering principles, guidelines, standards, codes, and operational requirements to reliability investigations, equipment performance issues, and process improvement initiatives.
• Identify reliability risks, operational concerns, and areas for process improvement. Develop and recommend corrective actions and practical solutions tailored to PSE's business environment.
• Perform detailed reviews of technical documentation, analyses, reports, and recommendations to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare cost estimates, evaluations, cost-benefit analyses, and supporting documentation for reliability initiatives and project alternatives. Assist in planning and developing project and program budgets.
• Collaborate and coordinate with engineers, operations personnel, maintenance organizations, project managers, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders to support reliability improvement efforts and RCA investigations.
• Document and share RCA findings, lessons learned, and best practices to support continuous improvement and strengthen PSE's engineering workforce.
• Analyze industry trends, reliability practices, and emerging technologies to support improvements in system reliability and operational performance.
• May lead or coordinate the work of engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, contractors, consultants, and others supporting assigned projects or program activities.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather events or other system failures.
• 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.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after eight (8) 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 with performing Root Cause Analysis evaluations.
• 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