The Distribution Capacity Planner will have an emphasis on improving the capacity and operating performance of the distribution system in line with the integration of smart grid devices and systems. Provides expert-level professional engineering leadership in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and lifecycle analysis of PSE facilities and assets. Independently leads and directs complex, high-impact projects and program segments, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives, cost, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.

Exercises advanced engineering judgment to interpret, apply, and, where necessary, adapt or develop engineering guidelines, standards, and practices for novel, ambiguous, or highly complex situations involving multiple interdependent variables and significant technical risk. Serves as the technical authority on assigned projects, proactively identifying issues, evaluating alternatives, and driving sound, well-justified engineering decisions with minimal oversight.

Leads the review and approval of engineering designs, calculations, and technical documentation, ensuring rigorous compliance with PSE standards, regulatory requirements, and industry codes. Anticipates downstream impacts and risks, and provides authoritative recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Acts as a key mentor and technical advisor, actively developing the capabilities of junior and mid-level engineers through coaching, structured knowledge transfer, and hands-on guidance. Plays a leading role in shaping engineering standards, best practices, and process improvements across the organization.

Represents PSE’s engineering function in cross-departmental and external engagements, including with regulatory bodies, contractors, and industry partners, as needed. Demonstrates strong readiness to lead engineering support during emergency response operations, providing critical technical direction to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable restoration of infrastructure and services.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Prepares complex designs, standards, studies and analyses.
• Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
• Prepares cost estimates and project evaluations without direct supervision.
• Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate documentation.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work, and initiate corrective action.
• Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
• Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
• Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
• Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• May lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after eight (8) or more years practice as a degreed engineer). Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Additional Information