Electrical Service Engineer

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

City Light is hiring an Electrical Service Engineer for our Electrical Services Engineering team. In this role, you will provide professional engineering direction for large, complex electric service installations for commercial, industrial and government agency customers. This position reports to the Electrical Service Engineer Supervisor. 

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Provide professional engineering advice on electrical service to large commercial, industrial and government utility customers. This includes direct service to customers, project oversight, direction to engineering design teams, coordination of crew and metering resources.
• Assist large commercial and industrial customers or their representatives in engineering new or revised electrical systems, including the necessary protective relaying and control schemes for compatible operation of their equipment with City Light's distribution system.
• Consult with architects, engineers, developers, electrical contractors and representatives from other government agencies and property owners during the planning, design and construction of large commercial and industrial projects to ensure compliance with the Requirements for Electric Service.
• Review plans prepared by architects, engineers and electrical contractors to ensure compliance with applicable City Light requirements; prepare or analyze engineering reports or studies to ensure compliance with City Light standards, and promote more efficient electrical utilization for lighting, heating, cooling and industrial processes. 
• Participate in the development and revision of utility policies related to electrical service requirements and rates, efficiency standards and other customer-related issues. 
• Prepare or analyze engineering reports or studies in order to assist customers with their electric service needs.
• Perform on-site inspections of new and revised electrical installations prior to connection with City Light’s distribution system and provide on-going liaison with customers on service and billing problems and concerns.
• Coordinate with other City Light work groups to ensure that new or revised electric service and other customer service needs are provided in a timely manner.
• Initiate service requests and billing instructions for services provided and prepare contracts and other working agreements.  Prepare paperwork for establishing customer accounts and apply appropriate rate to account. 
• Use principles and practices of electrical engineering in order to review and evaluate complex commercial and industrial electrical systems. 
• Support efforts to develop standardized work processes and process improvements within the ESE work group and other work groups.

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Requires a minimum of five years of professional electrical engineering or electrical sales engineering experience, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Inspection work is performed near high voltage equipment. Precautions are required when working around energized lines or at construction sites.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current State of Washington drivers' license.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of City Light’s construction standards and requirements for electrical service connection, including energy conservation standards is a plus, in order to give proper advice to ensure compliance and the safe and efficient use of electric energy.
• Knowledge of City Light’s rules, regulations and rate structures, and the locations, characteristics and capacity of the utility’s distribution system is also a plus.
• Experience in design, installation and operation of electrical distribution systems and/or electrical services in commercial and industrial facilities.  
• Experience with customer services work involving the coordination of complex electrical service installations.
• Ability to successfully coordinate projects with customers, engineers, operations and metering.
• Ability to maintain effective relations with department personnel, property owners, consultants, contractors, developers and the general public.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: 

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $65.65 to $76.38 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.