EPSE - Distribution Systems Engineering

Salary: $79.13 - $92.88 Hourly
Location : City Light North Service Center, 1300 N. 97th St., Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00964
Department: Seattle City Light
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

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.

City Light is seeking two Electrical Power System Engineers with expertise in both overhead & underground distribution systems to join the North Distribution Systems Engineering Unit at the North Service Center. In this role, you will work on large service projects, cable replacements, overhead and underground equipment replacements, distribution automation improvement efforts, system reliability improvements, system expansions or capacity improvements, as well as Capital Projects including the University of Washington, South Lake Union, Sound Transit, WSDOT 520, and other customer-driven projects. You will also provide technical training and mentorship for junior members of the team, including review of other engineers' work, and proper approval and PE stamping. You will play a major role as an SME in the design engineering process, offering advance information to developers and customers prior to their detailed design. If you are bringing your PE certification from another state, you will have 12 months to obtain a Washington State PE via test or comity.

These positions will be assigned to the North Service Center and will report to the Systems Engineering Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Performing the planning and design of the overhead and underground electrical system and large services for the Department's residential, commercial, and industrial customers;
• Ensuring that the projects are prioritized and designed properly and promptly, and that appropriate design guidelines and sound engineering principles are utilized;
• Preparing and issuing cost estimates, customer construction drawings, customer requirement documents, service installation drawings and material requirements according to design guidelines;
• Performing project management on large, service and system related projects such as the University of Washington, South Lake Union, Sound Transit, WSDOT 520, and other customer-driven projects;
• Performing special projects as assigned by the supervisor or manager;
• Developing and training engineers and coaching non-engineers about electrical design and safety;
• Performing Plan Review of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and private Street Use contracts;
• Reviewing City of Seattle capital projects, Land Use, UMP, SIP, and MUP plan sets;
• Providing electrical engineering design support to other Seattle City Light units as well as other City of Seattle departments, suburban cities and outside agencies.

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:

Requires six years of progressively responsible, difficult and highly complex or visible electrical power systems engineering experience and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional electrical engineering work on major electrical power systems.

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, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites. Work in underground utility facilities will require climbing ladders. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays. Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Professional Engineer state licensure within the United States and up to 12 months after appointment to attain State of Washington registration.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of electrical power engineering and experience in any of the following disciplines: Transmission, Planning, Substations or Distribution Engineering is highly desired, as well as experience in coordinating with construction crews and related project management skills.
• Knowledge of underground and overhead electrical design; experience as a lead for engineering and technical employees; familiarity with underground civil distribution engineering design and permitting;
• Computer skills such as AutoCAD, Word, materials request preparation, WAMS, Excel, Windows and/or Microsoft Project;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to create and deliver presentations;
• Ability to handle shifting and multiple priorities and to work as a team member in a diverse workforce;
• Willingness to learn and accept responsibility, comply with safety rules and regulations, work efficiently, effectively and independently.

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 $79.13 to $92.88 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 may 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 , and the A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with 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:

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page:
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:
01

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• JD/Doctorate Degree
• None of the Above

02

If you have a Bachelor's Degree (or higher), is it in Electrical Engineering?

• Yes
• No
• I have no degree

03

How many years of professional electrical engineering experience do you have?

• Less than 6 years
• 6 to 7 years
• 7 to 8 years
• 8 to 9 years
• 9 to 10 years
• More than 10 years

04

Are you currently registered as a Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of Washington?

• Yes, I am a registered engineer in the State of Washington.
• No, but I am registered in another state and will be able to register in the State of Washington within 12 months of hire.
• No, I am not a registered Professional Electrical Engineer.

05

If you claimed professional licensure from another state in the question above, please type the name of the state that issued your license. Otherwise, type N/A.
06

Which of the following best describes your years of Utility or electrical work experience in underground and/or overhead electrical distribution design and/or other related electrical service work?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• More than 5 years

07

Please briefly describe your experience working with software such as Work and Asset Management System (WAMS), AutoCAD, and other applications.
08

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

09

To participate in the hiring process, Seattle City Light requires strict confidentiality of all related information, including any discussions outside the workplace. This ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the process. This obligation applies during and after the hiring process. Do you understand and agree to maintain this confidentiality?

• Yes, I understand and agree.
• No, I do not agree.

Required Question