Controls Lead

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Transmission & Distribution (T&D) division is looking for a Controls Lead (Power Systems Engineer PE, Principal) to join their team! This senior-level engineering role leads a team of three controls engineers and serves as a subject matter expert for Power System Controls. This team supports the safe and reliable operation of Tacoma Power's electric system and is responsible for designing and continuously improving T&D and generation protection, metering, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in partnership with Utility Technology Services, Generation, Power Management, Reliability & Compliance, and other T&D personnel.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop, review and issue settings for distribution, transmission and generation protection schemes, including transmission lines, distribution feeders, transformers, generators, capacitors, and buses, as applied in the electric utility industry.
• Commission protection, metering, and SCADA system as applied in the electric utility industry.
• Prepare test procedures for substation control systems.
• Review, develop and/or update substation operations manuals and/or special operational cautions
• Develop and/or review control circuitry test procedures and lead on-site testing for compliance with NERC standard PRC-005.
• Oversee testing by relay technicians, meter technicians, communications technicians, and/or wire electricians.
• Design, markup, review, and issue one-line diagrams, three-wire diagrams, control schematics, communications block diagrams, communications pin-out diagrams, panel wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings for protection, metering, and SCADA systems as applied in the electric utility industry.
• Develop, review, and issue SCADA points lists or configurations as applied in the electric utility industry.
• Consult with system operations and available data in installed equipment to identify quantity and types of status, metering, and control points.
• Specify, select, and procure relays, meters, remote terminal units (RTUs), servers, and other devices used in protection, metering, and SCADA systems according to documented procedures and as applied in the electric utility industry.
• Support system operations and field crews with system maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Supervise and stamp designs of non-licensed team members.
• Act as subject matter expert on a number of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of experience in power engineering including 2 years as a licensed Professional Engineer working in the electrical power industry

*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Apply

All interested individuals mustapply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Appointment is subject to references and passing a background check.

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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