Engineer III - Distribution Reliability Planning

Puget Sound Energy • Bothell, WA

2d • $94,300 - $156,900

About The Position

The Distribution Reliability Planning group is responsible for evaluating and improving the reliability and resiliency of more than 1,000 distribution circuits operating primarily at 12.5 kV and served by approximately 370 distribution substations throughout PSE's service territory. The team develops data-driven solutions that improve customer reliability, reduce outage risk, support wildfire mitigation initiatives, and advance PSE's grid modernization objectives.

This position provides engineering, technical, and analytical support in distribution reliability planning, power system analysis, and the development of reliability improvement projects. The Engineer III works closely with Capacity Planning, Asset Management, Electric System Design, Construction, System Operations, and other stakeholders to identify system risks, evaluate alternatives, and develop cost-effective solutions that improve electric system performance.

This position requires strong analytical, communication, and project development skills, along with the ability to evaluate distribution system challenges and develop practical reliability improvement solutions. The Engineer III supports emergency response operations when needed and promotes a culture of safety, operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

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.

Requirements

• 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 five (5) 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform distribution planning studies and reliability analyses using Synergi Electric and other engineering software tools to evaluate system performance, conduct power flow analysis, model outage impacts, and identify reliability improvement opportunities.
• Monitor, analyze, and report electric distribution reliability performance, including key metrics such as SAIDI, SAIFI, CEMI, and other operational performance indicators.
• Develop and evaluate capital and operational reliability improvement projects that support PSE's Reliability Strategy, wildfire mitigation initiatives, resiliency objectives, and grid modernization efforts.
• Prepare engineering studies, technical reports, analyses, and project recommendations that support business decisions and project development.
• Collaborate with Capacity Planning, Asset Management, Electric System Design, Construction, System Operations, Vegetation Management, and other stakeholders to identify risks and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Provide technical support for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric distribution facilities and assets.
• Review engineering designs, project documentation, and proposed solutions to ensure projects achieve intended reliability benefits and comply with applicable codes, standards, and design requirements.
• Identify system risks, emerging reliability concerns, and opportunities for process improvement, and develop practical engineering solutions tailored to PSE's operating environment.
• Evaluate new and emerging technologies, tools, and solutions that support improvements in distribution system reliability, resiliency, and operational performance.
• Interpret and apply engineering principles, company and industry standards, regulatory requirements, guidelines, and planning methodologies to assigned work.
• Communicate technical information and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences through written reports, presentations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts resulting from severe weather events, wildfire-related incidents, and other system disturbances.
• May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, field technicians, contractors, consultants, and others supporting assigned projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• supplemental life insurance
• accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• 401(k) investment option
• cash balance retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

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