Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Position Description Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light is hiring an Assistant Electrical Engineer to support our Customer Experience work and quite literally help keep the lights on. City Light's infrastructure is aging so we are taking a proactive approach to replace equipment and restore increased reliability for our customers. In this role, you will assist mid-level and senior engineers with design changes, equipment maintenance, NERC cyber security plans, and provide field support to crews.

You will also assist with the selection, procurement, installation, testing, acceptance and maintenance of electrical field apparatus, equipment structures, materials and related systems. This position will report to the Central Distribution System Engineering Supervisor. Job Responsibilities Here is more about what you'll be doing: Design, plan, and determine requirements for the installation, maintenance, and restoration of generation electrical equipment and systems.

Monitor construction progress and provide instructions to field crews. Answer questions concerning design issues. Prepare schematics and wiring diagrams and equipment layout drawings using computer-aided drafting and design applications (AutoCAD).

Support the use and upgrades of SCL's drawing management software and the introduction of new CAD drafting software. Assist a Senior or Associate Engineer who supports Operational Technology (OT) staff and field crews with field testing of automation networks, including industrial automation servers, switches, and firewalls, fiber optic network topology, and other network instruments as needed. Help program and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in various plants.

Help maintain our compliance with NERC Cyber Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards and reliability standards. Participate in design teams for various Capital Projects related to modernization of the automation controls throughout generation facilities. Help maintain up-to-date records of field drawings.

Qualifications In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) OR expected to obtain the BSEE by October 2026. (If you're scheduled to obtain the BSEE by October 2026, please attach your college/university transcript.) Other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional Electrical Engineering work will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Work Environment/Physical Demands Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment

Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites. May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Overnight travel may be required. License, Certification and Other Requirements Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities: Prefer Electrical Engineers with educational training focus or experience in the field of power.

Familiarity with AutoCAD, Word, Excel software. Ability to write clear, professional letters, memos, reports and to deliver presentations to staff and management. Ability to work as a team member in a diverse work force.

Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers "PLCs," and communication equipment including microwave and fiber optics, SCADA, and RTU would be a plus. Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role-usually aligned with their regular duties-to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Additional Information The full salary range for this position is $49.16 to $53.15 per hour. Application Process Please submit the following with your online application: A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. Incomplete applications will not be accepted

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Seattle City Light. Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.