Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Salary: $113,568.00 - $159,910.40 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: T0130-26A
Department: Power
Division: Generation
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation division is seeking a Power Systems Engineer, to join their team. This is an entry-level to mid-level Engineering position that has growth potential into the organization.
Working under the guidance of the Professional Licensed Civil Engineers, this position will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the Dam Safety Surveillance & Monitoring Plan (DSSMP) for Tacoma's seven High Hazard Dams. The DSSMP monitors the stability and performance of the dam, especially identifying initiation of Potential Failure Modes (PFM). This position will assist in the Dam Safety Workgroups mission of supporting public safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance for Tacoma Power's Hydroelectric facilities.
We are looking for a candidate who is curious and self-driven with a background in Civil Engineering. While experience in hydropower or dam safety is beneficial, it is not required. The ideal person thrives in a collaborative environment and values input from teammates with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. They ask thoughtful questions, take initiative in their work, and are motivated by tackling technical challenges that support public safety and risk management. Most importantly, they are adaptable and ready to grow within a diverse team dedicated to the safe operation of Tacoma Power's hydroelectric facilities.
This position is expected to conduct site visits to Tacoma's dams, work from Tacoma Public Utilities office at least three days per week and reside a maximum of 2-hours from Tacoma, WA.
Responsibilities Include:

• Support the maintenance, coordination, and implementation of technical monitoring, inspection, and data collection programs for hydropower systems.
• Participate in field inspections, site visits, and evaluations to verify conditions, document observations, and identify any unusual or concerning trends.
• Assist in organizing, collecting, and performing initial review of technical data, including preparing charts, graphs, photos, and summary reports to inform engineering evaluation.
• Provide support in the selection, installation, verification, and documentation of instrumentation or field-monitoring equipment used for performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the development, updating, and delivery of training materials and programs related to monitoring procedures, field practices, and technical workflows.
• Assist with engineering analyses, calculations, and technical investigations that support assessments of infrastructure condition, performance, and reliability.
• Support the preparation, organization, and maintenance of technical documentation, regulatory materials, and internal program guidance.
• Provide preliminary technical observations and communicate findings to senior engineering staff for further review and decision-making.
• Participate in the coordination of consultant-performed work, including reviewing deliverables, tracking progress, and supporting scope, schedule, and budget management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, natural resources, operations, & technical staff) to support safe, reliable, and compliant operation of Tacoma Power's hydroelectric dams.
• Maintain awareness of updates in applicable regulations, standards, guidelines, and best practices, and support integration of those updates into program materials.
• Participate in professional development activities to strengthen skills in engineering analysis, monitoring practices, and infrastructure evaluation.

Qualifications
Power Systems Engineer Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
2 years of engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Power Systems Engineer, Associate Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
0-1 years depending upon assignment
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
AS ASSIGNED:
Washington State Driver's License
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Preferred Qualification:

• ABET accredited civil engineering program
• Engineer in Training

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic understanding of Concrete Structures, Soil Mechanics, and Hydraulics.
• Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience
• Strong Observational Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate must have the ability to produce coherent documents submitted to external agencies.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• The ability to analyze and display data to identify statistical trends and relationships with off-the-shelf software or self-written code.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Pay Details:
Power Systems Engineer
Annual Salary: $113,568.00- $159,910.40
Power Systems Engineer, Associate
Annual Salary: $98,280.00- $138,320.00
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. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma:
Application Process
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 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 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or directly related field?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field do you have?

• 0-1 years of engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field
• 1-2 years of engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field
• 2+ years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility, or similar field
• None of the above

03
Do you have possession of Washington State EIT (or the ability to transfer an EIT from another state)?

• Yes
• No

04
Tell us about a time when you recognized a gap in your professional knowledge or skills - either technical or interpersonal - and what steps did you take to address it?
05
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
06
Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Government Jobs
• NWPPA
• Outreach Event

07
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question