Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00926

Department: Seattle City Light

Job classification: Electrical Engineer, Associate

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Professional, Utilities

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.

Seattle City Light has an opportunity available for an Associate-Level Electrical Engineer in Distribution Engineering. This position is located at the South Service Center, and this process will likely be used to fill future vacancies at either of the Service Centers. In this position, you will need a working knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of electrical engineering, including the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in electrical engineering. You will use your education and experience to perform electrical engineering design, drafting, mapping and computations, as well as reading and interpreting plans, specifications, property descriptions, construction schedules, contracts and other construction documents. The current available position reports to the South Service Center Distribution Engineering Supervisor.

Examples of duties

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

• Serves as a project engineer on projects in the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical power and lighting facilities.
• Acts as lead and mentor to Assistant Electrical Engineers
• Prepares drawings of plans and details manually or with computer-aided drafting and design applications.
• Monitors progress of construction projects.
• Designs and plans equipment and projects specific to the unit.
• Reviews final plans, specifications, special conditions and agreements and coordinates the work of electrical contractors, affected public agencies, and crews.
• Prepares project estimates and procurement documents, monitors contracts, prepares progress and final reports, and leads projects to completion.
• Recommends for approval contract change orders and payments.
• Participates in presentations, special projects and assignments as directed.
• Installation, maintenance, restoration and/or relocation of electrical power facilities (distribution and overhead and underground primary and secondary electrical services and systems).
• Oversees the selection, procurement, installation, testing, acceptance, operation, and maintenance of electrical power facilities.
• Prepares preliminary and long-range plans, estimates, work orders and instructions, operating and maintenance instructions.
• Provides instructions to field crews and answers questions concerning design issues

Qualifications

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 three years of professional electrical engineering experience and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provides preparation to do professional electrical engineering work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, high voltage energized equipment and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

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

• Computer skills, such as AutoCAD, WAMS, Current View, Voltage Drop, Cable Tension and MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience delivering engineering projects on time and on schedule
• Ability to write clear, understandable and professional letters, memos and reports.
• Ability to give presentations to professional staff, management, and government agencies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to adapt to shifting and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work as a team member in a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of SCL infrastructure, construction specification, and work practices.
• Possess a Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly EIT) certificate.
• Experience managing projects related to electric utility distribution engineering design and construction.
• Knowledge of overhead and underground electrical distribution design and/or other related electrical service & system work.
• Familiarity with underground civil distribution engineering design.

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.

Supplemental information

The full salary range for this position is $62.32 to $72.73 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 will 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 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020Applicants 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