Principal Network and Communications Engineer

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of talented network & communication systems Engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of our critical Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. In this role, you'll serve as the team lead, senior technical network strategist, and advisor for critical systems that support utility operations—delivering reliability and performance across control centers, substations, remote field environments, and other mission-critical systems. You’ll supervise a small team, guide large infrastructure projects from concept to execution, and play a vital role in the planning, procurement, and lifecycle management of TPU’s wide, local, and field area networks. Acting as a key bridge between infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners, you’ll help shape TPU’s long-term OT strategy while mentoring the next generation of engineers. This is a leadership-track engineering position designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical capability, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field
5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience
1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level.
Washington State Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Advanced certifications such as VCP, CCNP, or CISSP.
Experience with OT infrastructure in regulated environments (e.g., NERC CIP).
Experience with Cisco ecosystem
Experience with Nokia MPLS ecosystem
Experience with System hardening and secure infrastructure design.
Experience with Backup, storage, and disaster recovery in OT environments.
Demonstrated ability to mentor others, lead large cross-functional initiatives, and participate in architectural governance.
Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design.

Responsibilities

Supports the workgroup Manager in the direct supervision of the Network and Communication Engineering team, also working in conjunction with other TPU staff on multiple highly complex integrated projects.
Provides training, mentorship, guidance, and support to junior personnel, and gives direction and support to contractors, consultants, internal engineers, and technicians by possessing and displaying a high level of technical knowledge.
Support performance reviews for subordinates and provide recommendations for hiring, terminations, and discipline.
Direct and assign tasks as needed to support projects, operations, and maintenance activities.
Provide technical and operational support to customers and business partners.
Recommend, procure, and coordinate training for staff to develop technical skill sets to support the workgroup technology portfolio and facilitate knowledge sharing to increase department resilience.
Assist with budget development for biannual capital projects and operations & maintenance (O&M) activities.
Responsible for managing project expenditures.
Provide guidance and direction to other engineers and technicians in installing, commissioning, maintaining, and repairing IT/OT systems.
Subject matter expert and technical lead for TPU’s communication infrastructure.
Support and evaluate OT initiative project proposals.
Inspect projects and related activities to ensure compliance with the specifications, contracts, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
Perform advanced level of engineering duties in the preparation, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and analysis of engineering projects.
Analyze data and coordinate projects with consultants and contractors.
Prepare drawings for reference documentation.
Prepare cost estimate, scheduling, material equipment purchases and delivery contracts.
Evaluate bids, administer contracts with consultants, manage project task progress, interpret and modify vendor design criteria.
Utilize a high level of technical expertise in the design, programming, and implementation of the operational control systems.
Prepare technical specifications, engineering calculations and plans for engineering projects.
Evaluate and coordinate maintenance, repair, installation, and design of computing architecture to support operational control systems.
Investigate and respond to incidents impacting operational control system functions.
Research, analyze, and perform advanced troubleshooting to address system malfunctions.
Serve as a technical advisor to the Utility Technology Architecture Board (UTAB).
Monitor technology advancements in the industry to ensure ongoing adherence to industry best practices.