Remote Substation Protection Engineer Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: T0440-26D
Department: Power
Division: Generation
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation Engineering Civil Group is seeking a motivated and collaborative Power Systems Engineer, PE to support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of civil infrastructure across Tacoma Power's hydropower facilities. This role supports safe and reliable operation of dams, powerhouses, fish facilities, parks, and other assets related to Tacoma Power's infrastructure. The position is well suited for a professional engineer seeking both variety and growth in the areas of project management and complex engineering responsibilities across a wide range of civil disciplines, such as structures, hydraulics, utilities, geotech, and dam safety.
If you are interested in diverse work, large impactful projects that make a difference, dedicated professional colleagues and contributing to the stewardship of some of the largest infrastructure here in beautiful Western Washington, this could be the place for you.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional civil engineering design services for capital improvement projects, ensuring that needs of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) staff are met, applicable codes are followed, and necessary permits are acquired.
• Provide O&M staff with engineering support and problem solving.
• Stamp and seal drawings, specifications, calculations and technical memos.
• Collaborate and coordinate with Dam Safety, Hydro Operations, Power Management, Transmission and Distribution, and Fish Operations during all phases of a project to ensure alignment and that organizational needs are considered and met.
• Support compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dam safety requirements such as performing periodic infrastructure inspections, improving/creating standard operating plans, and providing written correspondence.
• Lead and manage new projects through all phases of planning, design, engineering calculations, preparation of drawings and specifications, and the procurement/bidding process.
• Coordinate and manage all phases of construction from award of contract through completion, as-built documentation, and closeout.
• Administer contractual agreements with outside consultants and suppliers.
• Provide technical guidance, oversight, mentoring and work review of junior engineers.
• Contribute to engineering standards and procedures.

Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, electrical engineering or directly related field.
*1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Minimum Experience
Four (4) years of professional level engineering experience in a utility, hydropower, or heavy civil environment.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Professional Engineering License and maintenance thereafter**
Washington State Driver's License and maintenance thereafter
This position will occasionally require the ability to dress for inclement weather, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, walk on rough/uneven ground, navigate steep slopes, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and access areas requiring fall protection.
Subject to future change, this is currently a hybrid position that is required to be in the office a minimum of (3) days per week.
Successfully complete Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) training with maintenance thereafter (provided by Tacoma Power).
Successful applicants will need to pass a background check.
** 6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA.
Knowledge & Skills
Desired Qualifications
• Experience with structural engineering, hydroelectric facilities or large civil infrastructure.
• Knowledge of dam safety regulations.
• Project management experience.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00
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 closely related field) or equivalent work experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you consider yourself specialized in any particular civil engineering discipline or industry? If so, please provide a short description of your experience in each specific area.
03
Do you have a Washington State Professional Engineer License or the ability to obtain one within six months of appointment?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a valid WA driver's license or the ability to obtain one by time of employment?

• Yes
• No

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 learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Linkedin
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Government Jobs
• NWPPA
• Other

07
Where did you first learn about this job?
Required Question