Structural Engineer – Transmission & Substation Systems

Title: Structural Engineer – Transmission & Substation Systems
Location Vancouver, WA

Position Overview

The Structural Engineer is responsible for performing structural analysis, design, evaluation, and maintenance support for transmission, substation, telecommunications, and building structures within a public utility environment. This role requires applying established engineering principles to both new and existing infrastructure, ensuring safety, compliance, and system reliability.

All official drafts, documents, and recommendations must be reviewed, finalized, and approved by the appropriate BPA manager or authorized federal personnel.

Key Responsibilities
1. Substation Structural Design & Analysis
Perform structural design and analysis of substation structures and foundations.
Structures include towers, poles, frames, trusses, pedestals, racks, and related systems using steel, concrete, wood, and aluminum.
Evaluate existing structures for:
Increased loading conditions
Modified design criteria
Provide analysis results to support decisions to:
Reuse existing structures
Modify existing structures
Replace structures
Develop:
Installation drawings
Design criteria drawings
Minor structural detailing
2. Transmission Line Structure Design
Design and analyze transmission line support structures, including:
Lattice steel/aluminum towers
Steel pole structures
Wood pole structures
Concrete structures
Conduct structural adequacy assessments for existing assets.
Produce:
Installation drawings
Design criteria documents
Structural detailing
Design and review fall protection systems for transmission structures.
3. Telecommunications Structures
Perform analysis and design for communication infrastructure, primarily microwave systems.
Structure types include:
Lattice towers
Poles
Mounting hardware
Waveguide and ice bridges
Responsibilities include:
Structural adequacy evaluations
Retrofit and modification designs
Development of structural design criteria for vendors
Fall protection system design and review
4. Building Structural Engineering
Analyze and design utility-related buildings, including:
Steel, concrete, masonry, wood, and brick structures
Perform:
Structural and seismic evaluations
Retrofit and strengthening designs
Anchorage design for equipment and nonstructural components
Develop:
Structural calculations and reports
Installation and detailing drawings
Design fall protection anchorage systems.
5. Maintenance & Asset Management Support
Support structural inspection and maintenance programs, including:
Structural adequacy assessments
Retrofit and rehabilitation designs
Replacement designs for aging or damaged infrastructure
Address damage scenarios such as:
Vehicle or animal impacts
Environmental loads (snow, landslides, etc.)
Assist with material procurement for repairs and replacements
Conduct quality assurance visits to fabrication facilities and provide recommendations
6. Research, Development & Innovation Support
Assist federal engineers in Technology Innovation (TI) and R&D initiatives:
Structural testing and evaluation
Collaboration with vendors and research personnel
Report writing and presentations
Field visits and industry coordination
Funding justification documentation
7. Documentation & Compliance
Maintain engineering records in compliance with:
Information Security (INFOSEC)
Information Governance & Lifecycle Management (IGLM)
Ensure proper documentation control, storage, and distribution
Support audit readiness through accurate recordkeeping
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field
Minimum 5 years of practical structural engineering experience
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and methodologies
Experience with:
Public utilities
Power plants
Transmission systems
Proficiency in:
International Building Code (IBC)
ASCE 7
Technical Skills
Experience with structural analysis software:
SAP2000
RISA
Familiarity with modern structural analysis techniques
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Core Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Critical thinking and decision-making ability
Effective time management and task prioritization
Ability to evaluate multiple engineering solutions
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
Bentley MicroStation or similar CAD software
Power Line Systems software suite
Knowledge of:
Transmission system infrastructure
ASCE 41 (Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings)
Additional Requirements
Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Ability to travel for field visits, inspections, and meetings as needed