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Transmission System Operator information

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$16

$31

$50

How much do transmission system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for transmission system operator in Seattle, WA is $31.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transmission system operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transmission System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical theory, power systems operations, and a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree, often supplemented by NERC certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and real-time grid monitoring tools is essential for daily operations. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly and coordinate with teams during emergencies. These competencies are critical to ensuring grid reliability, minimizing outages, and maintaining the safe and stable delivery of electricity.

What are some common challenges transmission system operators face during shift work, and how can they manage them?

Transmission System Operators often work rotating shifts to ensure the power grid is monitored 24/7, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing these challenges requires effective time management, prioritizing rest, and staying alert during overnight or extended shifts. Operators also need to remain calm and focused under pressure, especially during grid emergencies or equipment failures, and regularly communicate with field crews and other control centers to resolve issues promptly.

What is the difference between Transmission System Operator vs Substation Technician?

AspectTransmission System OperatorSubstation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field, with certifications like NERC certificationRequires technical diploma or associate degree, with certifications in electrical safety and substation operations
Work EnvironmentOversees high-voltage transmission networks, often in control centers or on-site at substationsWorks directly at substations, performing maintenance and troubleshooting
Industry UsageKey role in power grid management, ensuring reliable electricity transmissionSupports transmission by maintaining and repairing substation equipment

The Transmission System Operator and Substation Technician roles are closely related within the power industry. While the operator manages the overall transmission network, the technician focuses on maintaining and repairing substation equipment. Both require electrical certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is a transmission system operator?

Transmission System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity through power grids. They ensure the reliable and safe transmission of electricity from power plants to substations and, ultimately, to consumers. Their job involves real-time decision-making to balance supply and demand, prevent outages, and respond to emergencies or faults in the grid. Transmission System Operators use specialized software and equipment to monitor grid performance and coordinate with other utilities and field personnel.
What are popular job titles related to Transmission System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA? For Transmission System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Transmission System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Transmission System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Transmission System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transmission System Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,688 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Transmission Planning

Puget Sound Energy

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Puget Sound Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.
PSE's Transmission team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Senior Engineer - Transmission Planning position!
Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
Job Description
Provides technical support of Transmission Strategy and Planning functions, including transmission planning, studies to analyze generation interconnections and transmission requests, development and maintenance of inter-utility agreements, transmission operations analysis, and ensuring PSE compliance with NERC and FERC requirements. Assignments involve a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements, requiring considerations not previously encountered. This position also supports emergency response operations when needed.
Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.
Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.
This job is considered "safety sensitive" as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.
Job Responsibilities
  • Perform transmission system impact studies and develop network upgrades necessary to support system reliability and performance.
    • Review customer applications for completeness and alignment with PSE's technical requirements.
    • Attend customer scoping meetings as needed.
    • Develop transmission system models in consideration of applicable load and resource forecasts and expected system topology over a 10-year planning horizon.
    • Complete complex power system modeling, simulation, and analysis using advanced power system analysis programs, such as PowerWorld.
    • Analyze generation interconnection and transmission service requests, as well as PSE and regional transmission projects and operations.
    • Interpret available codes, standards, requirements, and guidelines for application to identified system needs and the development of network upgrade projects to address those needs.
    • Document study results for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Provide technical support in negotiating complex inter-utility agreements dealing with high-voltage transmission and new generating resource integration.
  • Ensure compliance with PSE's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
    • Facilitate public meetings related to PSE's transmission plans
    • Complete Economic Studies as requested.
    • Calculate and document Available Transmission Capacity in compliance with active transmission contracts and NAESB Business Practices.
  • Support the reporting of basecase information, load and resource forecasts, and other information to WECC, NERC, and FERC
  • Participate in external committees such as those at NERC or WECC.
  • Represent PSE at appropriate regional transmission planning forums, such as those at NorthernGrid and Western Power Pool (WPP), as needed.
    • Engage directly with regional partners on issues of joint concern
  • Ensure compliance with NERC and WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria applicable to the Transmission Planner and/or Planning Coordinator.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable FERC regulatory requirements as outlined in PSE's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
  • Coordinate with internal teams and participate in cross-departmental workgroups with Local Transmission System Planning, Transmission Strategy, Transmission Policy and Contracts, Load Forecasting, Substation Engineering, Electric Transmission Engineering, and System Protection, among others.
  • Serve as a technical support for the department and Company, providing advanced skills and knowledge where needed to solve technical issues.
  • Provide a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
  • Identify potential areas of weakness with assigned work, and initiate corrective action.
  • Document and share work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE's engineering workforce.
  • Maintains knowledge of industry developments and best practices and their application at PSE to further business objectives.
  • Support emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
  • May support the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
  • Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after eight (8) or more years practice as a degreed engineer). Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual's skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
  • Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience working in the utility industry.
  • Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
  • Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
  • Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Additional Information
At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.
The pay range for this position is $108,200.00 - $180,200.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).
Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.

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