Electrical Engineer

Bonneville Power Administration • Vancouver, WA

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer position is with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Project Scoping (TEEL), Substation Engineering (TEE), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission Services (T). The role supports BPA's mission to deliver clean, reliable hydroelectric energy across the Pacific Northwest by addressing complex engineering challenges and strengthening the capacity and resilience of the regional high-voltage power network.

The engineer designs and evaluates high-voltage electrical systems and substation equipment, develops layouts and technical solutions, and resolves electrical and mechanical design trade-offs. The role also evaluates and tests emerging energy technologies, works with equipment manufacturers and technical specialists, and supports safe integration of new equipment into the grid. It includes performing regional power-flow, voltage-stability, and transient-dynamics simulations; conducting feasibility studies for transmission modernization and expansion; and developing and protecting high-availability grid monitoring, energy management, and automation systems.

The position also involves leading engineering projects from concept through procurement, budgeting, and field commissioning; establishing technical standards; coordinating multidisciplinary teams and contractors; and mentoring engineers. Employees may need working knowledge of FERC Standards of Conduct and may be required to complete BPA's mandatory SOC training. The incumbent must report in person to the official duty location. Periodic physical examinations may be required if exposed to health hazards.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must meet the engineering basic requirement through an ABET-accredited engineering bachelor's program, specified engineering coursework, an accepted combination of education and experience, or an applicable engineering registration, licensure, examination, or related curriculum as described in the announcement.
• Must meet the specialized experience requirements for the grade level sought. For GS-09, this includes at least one year equivalent to GS-07 assisting professional engineers with electrical power systems or equipment design, analysis, or modification and performing field surveys, functional testing, or troubleshooting.
• For GS-09, qualifying graduate education may substitute for specialized experience: two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, a master's degree, or equivalent graduate degree.
• For GS-11, must have at least one year equivalent to GS-09 designing, reviewing, or modifying electric power systems; performing engineering calculations, studies, or technical-data and equipment-specification evaluations; and conducting functional testing, troubleshooting, or field investigations.
• For GS-11, qualifying graduate education may substitute for specialized experience: three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Education used to meet requirements must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized organization.
• Must provide copies of college transcripts to be rated as qualified.
• Must complete a preliminary background check before beginning work, unless an existing completed investigation means another check is not required.
• Must report in person to the official duty location.
• Males must comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
• The incumbent may need working knowledge of FERC Standards of Conduct and may be required to complete BPA's mandatory SOC training.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and implement electrical systems and high-voltage substation equipment.
• Develop electrical layouts, resolve mechanical and electrical design trade-offs, and engineer solutions for high-capacity energy distribution networks.
• Collaborate with manufacturers, research laboratories, and technical specialists to evaluate and field-test emerging technologies.
• Assess new hardware, define technical specifications, and lead testing and energization efforts to integrate technologies into the commercial power grid.
• Model regional power flow, voltage stability, and transient dynamics using computational tools.
• Develop analytical findings and operating models to establish real-time operating limits and support electrical reliability.
• Plan and direct technical feasibility studies for transmission corridor modernization and expansion.
• Evaluate alternative grid configurations, identify performance bottlenecks, and develop engineering roadmaps to expand transmission capacity.
• Design, optimize, and protect grid control, monitoring, data acquisition, energy management, and automation systems.
• Implement cybersecurity defenses, network hardening, and automated control tools for critical infrastructure.
• Lead engineering initiatives from concept through procurement, budgeting, and field commissioning.
• Establish technical standards, coordinate multidisciplinary engineering groups and external contractors, and mentor engineers.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• BPA Be Well program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social wellness.
• Programs and policies intended to support work/life balance and flexible, responsive work environments.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level