Seattle Public Utilities Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Job Number: T0440-26B
Department: Power
Division: Generation
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation Section is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (Power Systems Engineer or Power Systems Engineer, PE) to join their team. This position provides mechanical engineering technical services for capital and maintenance projects at Tacoma Power's hydroelectric and fisheries facilities. As a Professional Engineer, this position is expected to be a subject matter expert for operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of Generation's mechanical systems and equipment. This position supports the mission of the organization by ensuring continued availability of generating resources and fisheries operations.
Responsibilities Include:

• Participate on diverse working teams involved with the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of fish facilities and hydropower plants
• Prepare, review, and stamp calculations, drawings, reports, etc., related to mechanical systems
• Prepare specifications and other engineering documents to procure and install a wide variety and of mechanical equipment and systems
• Provide support for the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, testing, and acceptance of project activities and equipment
• Represent the City at shop inspections and factory acceptance tests related to mechanical systems
• Coordinate and work with contractors and hydro project staff to repair and upgrade systems and equipment
• Plan and direct mechanical equipment installation, disassembly, reassembly, and alignment
• Provide operations & maintenance and asset management program recommendations for mechanical systems
• Power plant mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to utility-scale generators, hydroelectric turbines, balance-of-plant systems (e.g., air, oil, and water), large valves, gates, cranes, and hoists
• Fisheries facilities mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to motors, pumps, piping, valves, water-treatment systems (e.g., ozone, filtration, UV), and fish attraction and conveyance systems

Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Washington State Driver's License
Desired Qualifications & Experience:
Experience with turbine/generators or heavy industrial equipment.
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Knowledge & Skills
Desired Qualifications & Experience:
Experience with turbine/generators or heavy industrial equipment.
Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on !
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00
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 mechanical engineering or directly related field?*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have 4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a Washington State Professional Engineer License or the ability to transfer one within six months of appointment?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one at time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have experience with hydropower or power generation? If so, please explain.
06
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.
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