Principal Network and Communications Engineer

Job Description

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of talented network & communication systems Engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of our critical Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. In this role, you'll serve as the team lead, senior technical network strategist, and advisor for critical systems that support utility operations-delivering reliability and performance across control centers, substations, remote field environments, and other mission-critical systems.

You’ll supervise a small team, guide large infrastructure projects from concept to execution, and play a vital role in the planning, procurement, and lifecycle management of TPU’s wide, local, and field area networks. Acting as a key bridge between infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners, you’ll help shape TPU’s long-term OT strategy while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

This is a leadership-track engineering position designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical capability, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.

Primary Responsibilities

Management

• Supports the workgroup Manager in the direct supervision of the Network and Communication Engineering team, also working in conjunction with other TPU staff on multiple highly complex integrated projects.
• Provides training, mentorship, guidance, and support to junior personnel, and gives direction and support to contractors, consultants, internal engineers, and technicians by possessing and displaying a high level of technical knowledge.
• Support performance reviews for subordinates and provide recommendations for hiring, terminations, and discipline.
• Direct and assign tasks as needed to support projects, operations, and maintenance activities. Provide technical and operational support to customers and business partners.
• Recommend, procure, and coordinate training for staff to develop technical skill sets to support the workgroup technology portfolio and facilitate knowledge sharing to increase department resilience.
• Assist with budget development for biannual capital projects and operations & maintenance (O&M) activities. Responsible for managing project expenditures.

Network Engineer

• Provide guidance and direction to other engineers and technicians in installing, commissioning, maintaining, and repairing IT/OT systems.
• Subject matter expert and technical lead for TPU’s communication infrastructure.
• Support and evaluate OT initiative project proposals. Inspect projects and related activities to ensure compliance with the specifications, contracts, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Perform advanced level of engineering duties in the preparation, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and analysis of engineering projects. Analyze data and coordinate projects with consultants and contractors. Prepare drawings for reference documentation. Prepare cost estimate, scheduling, material equipment purchases and delivery contracts. Evaluate bids, administer contracts with consultants, manage project task progress, interpret and modify vendor design criteria.
• Utilize a high level of technical expertise in the design, programming, and implementation of the operational control systems. Prepare technical specifications, engineering calculations and plans for engineering projects.
• Evaluate and coordinate maintenance, repair, installation, and design of computing architecture to support operational control systems.
• Investigate and respond to incidents impacting operational control system functions. Research, analyze, and perform advanced troubleshooting to address system malfunctions.
• Serve as a technical advisor to the Utility Technology Architecture Board (UTAB).
• Monitor technology advancements in the industry to ensure ongoing adherence to industry best practices.

Qualifications

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

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned:
Washington State Driver's License

Depending on assignment, some positions may require the ability to pass additional background checks and/or obtain additional certifications, with maintenance thereafter.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as VCP, CCNP, or CISSP.
• Experience with:
  • OT infrastructure in regulated environments (e.g., NERC CIP).
  • Cisco ecosystem
  • Nokia MPLS ecosystem
  • System hardening and secure infrastructure design.
  • Backup, storage, and disaster recovery in OT environments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others, lead large cross-functional initiatives, and participate in architectural governance.
• Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

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 6:00a.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.

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.

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: 9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific