Principal Civil Engineer - Solar & Renewable Major Projects

Puget Sound Energy•Bellevue, WA

4d•$124,600 - $207,400•Hybrid

About The Position

Puget Sound Energy is hiring a Principal Civil Engineer to provide civil engineering expertise, technical due diligence, and design review for renewable generation projects added to PSE’s portfolio, including wind, solar, energy storage, and other technologies. The role serves as the civil subject matter expert for renewables projects and provides technical leadership to department management and resource development staff. Work includes planning, design, construction, and analysis of renewable generation facilities, with assignments that may involve complex, interrelated elements and advanced problem-solving. The engineer prepares and reviews engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, evaluations, and studies; manages technical issues from early feasibility through construction; and coordinates project stakeholders, engineering resources, and work performed by engineers, project managers, contractors, and consultants. The role also supports internal standards and procedures, regulatory and code compliance, department strategy, and the development of PSE’s engineering workforce through knowledge-sharing and mentoring. The position is hybrid, with approximately 50% remote work and 50% in-person work at PSE headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Projects are in central and southeast Washington, Montana, and potentially other western states. Occasional overnight travel may be required; constant field presence is not required. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment drug screening, including screening for marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or another appropriate engineering field, or a PE license in lieu of a degree.
Extensive experience in planning, design, specification preparation, maintenance, project cost estimating, and scheduling; typically acquired after ten or more years of practice as a degreed engineer.
Advanced technical and scientific expertise.
Experience leading engineering projects.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external customers.
Commitment to conduct business honestly and ethically, follow PSE’s Code of Conduct, and meet regulatory compliance obligations.

Nice To Haves

At least 7–10 years of experience in planning, design, and construction of utility-scale solar projects.
Onsite field experience in construction of utility-scale solar projects.
Familiarity with codes, standards, and equipment used in the design and construction of solar and other renewable facilities.
Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Experience in technical management of complex, multimillion-dollar engineering projects.

Responsibilities

Prepare complex engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, evaluations, due diligence, and studies using specialized analytical skills.
Manage technical issues for new generation resource acquisition and development, from early-stage feasibility analyses through construction.
Review technical exhibits, equipment supply agreements, engineering/procurement/construction agreements, performance standards, power purchase agreements, and other technical documents.
Lead multiple critical or complex projects, including research, design, equipment specification and evaluation, and development of internal standards and procedures.
Communicate solutions to people with varied educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums and in written and verbal forms.
Ensure compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
Identify potential weaknesses in the team’s work and initiate corrective action.
Document and share work to strengthen the skills of PSE’s engineering workforce; mentor less senior engineers.
Provide technical leadership to others in the department and throughout the company.
Tailor problem solutions to PSE’s business environment and stakeholders.
Maintain knowledge of industry developments and best practices and apply them to PSE’s business objectives.
Coordinate and review work by engineers, project managers, contractors, consultants, and others assisting with assignments.
Plan and schedule engineering resources to meet department needs.
Develop and execute department strategy to support business objectives.
Uphold safety compliance standards and promote a culture of total safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.