Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), was founded in 1965. We specialize in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, which include designing, estimating, material acquisition, project management, construction, emergency power restoration, system maintenance, and similar services. Our expertise is in power, transmission, distribution, and substation projects. We are a leading full-service provider of power infrastructure, construction, and support services in utility and energy contracting throughout the Pacific Northwest and neighboring states.

We are proud to be working with some of the region’s largest energy companies as we continue to modernize their electric systems, move towards de-carbonization, and maintain thousands of miles of overhead and underground lines serving millions of residential and commercial customers. We uphold high safety, productivity, and reliability standards as we work with our customers to provide both current and strategic, forward-thinking energy infrastructure, delivery, and solutions.

If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your engineering and organizational skills, then we have a role for you!

Potelco, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer to join our Transmission Engineering Team in Spokane, WA. This position supports various clients' transmission analysis and design utilizing PLS-CADD, with a focus on serving clients in proximity to Spokane. As a Project Engineer I, this position requires at least one year of directly applicable experience within an electric utility or telecommunications position, preferably using PLS-CADD. Candidates with no prior applicable industry experience may be considered at the Associate Project Engineer level.

The anticipated compensation for this position is $36–$48/hr, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Work primarily independently on individual projects, collaborating with other group members and departments as needed.
• Review customer application documents, notifications, and scopes of work, and work collaboratively with customers to resolve inconsistencies.
• Perform field site visits to gather and verify project and existing equipment information.
• Read and interpret utility standards, the National Electrical Safety Code, Washington Administrative Code, and county and city jurisdictional requirements to analyze transmission structures, evaluate clearances, and design replacements.
• Utilize field notes, LiDAR, mapping software, records, photos, and other pertinent resources to complete 3D modeling for analysis and reporting.
• Apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to solve complex problems where only limited standardization exists.
• Communicate project status, concerns, obstacles, and make-ready work clearly and tactfully with technical and non-technical individuals, including customers, coworkers, construction crews, and other stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Manage numerous concurrent projects with flexibility to shifting priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited university; or three-plus years of related experience and/or training in lieu of education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in PLS-CADD is required; familiarity with O-Calc or other power industry-specific CAD software is a plus.
• Experience utilizing AutoCAD or other CAD/3D modeling programs.
• Ability to apply basic principles of mathematics and physics to solve problems by hand.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and quality of work.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information, technical procedures, and data in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to write business correspondence and communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the electric utility, telecommunications, or related field.
• Understanding of the electric grid, including the basic purpose of common transmission and distribution system equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience using the NESC.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.