Seattle City Light is seeking a Grid Modernization Assistant Electrical Engineer to perform entry-level professional electrical engineering work on projects to ready the grid for electrification and new technologies. This position will be responsible for supporting engineering of projects described in the Grid Modernization Plan and Roadmap. This position will report to the Grid Modernization Senior Manager

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting the exploration and establishment of new technical areas to address transmission and distribution system capacity and reliability needs, including utility-scale batteries, distribution sensors, advanced modeling, and non-wire solutions, etc. Performing engineering work for equipment installation and system integration for related pilot projects.
• Supporting the evaluation and planning of resilient power distribution grid projects, which include microgrids, automated switching distribution systems, etc. Applying that knowledge to improve utility operations and customer experiences.
• Assisting in the selection, procurement, installation, testing, acceptance, operation, and maintenance of utility-wide grid modernization equipment.
• Evaluating electrical equipment and materials to determine performance and efficiency.
• Developing design basis memorandums and project design packages, which include plan drawings, electrical one-line diagrams and schematics, arrangement drawings, wiring diagrams, and other drawings and material required to execute the project.
• Collaborating with operations, engineering, vendor technical support, and operational technology (OT) teams; providing instructions to field crews; and answering questions concerning systems design issues from crews, contractors, engineers, and customers.
• Surveying jobsites, recommending design requirements, identifying problems, and recommending the location of equipment.
• Performing engineering studies, under the supervision of a senior engineer, to model the electrical grid.
• Developing and participating in collaborations with national labs, universities, and EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute).
• Reviewing, under the supervision of a senior engineer, work submitted by consultants and manufacturers.
• Participating in technical and leadership learning activities.
• Reading, understanding, and developing familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, laws, codes, and guidelines.
• Exhibiting excellent communication skills as a Grid Modernization and Strategic Technology engineer, including the development of presentations and written reports.
• Supporting the utility’s strategic initiatives, such as the race and social justice program.
• Performing other duties of a comparable level/type, as assigned.

Certification/License: Current Washington State driver’s license.

Technical Knowledge Requirements:

Familiarity with multiple of the following topic areas:

• Electrical power system theory
• Distribution design, customer services connections, or utility operations
• Electrical power system T&D planning and distribution design practices
• Transmission, Substation, and Distribution utility design and operations
• Experience with utility operational technology (OT) cybersecurity
• Strong computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point.

For field assignments, incumbent must be willing and able to work in all types of weather and in or near construction sites where there is traffic, hazardous or toxic substances, and high voltage energized equipment.   May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Desired Qualifications: 

• EIT (Engineer in Training) or registered for exam
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems
• Experience with load flow software
• Quick learner
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Willingness to learn and accept responsibility; comply with safety rules and regulations; and work efficiently, effectively, and independently.
• Ability and eagerness to learn and overcome new challenges

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: http://www.seattle.gov/light/.