Principal Civil Engineer - Solar & Renewable Major Projects

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! In order to support a decarbonized energy system, PSE’s Energy Resources Major Projects Technical team is looking for a qualified candidate to fill an open Principal Civil Engineer position. We are on a journey to deliver on our clean energy goals, with the first major milestone occurring by 2030. This role will support this journey by providing technical due diligence, design review, and civil engineering expertise for the development of new assets (wind, solar, energy storage, and other technologies) to be added to PSE’s generation portfolio.

The successful candidate will have experience in the design and construction of utility-scale solar and other renewable generation facilities. The candidate should possess significant expertise in erosion control, stormwater management, drainage and hydrology, grading and earthwork, geotechnical investigations, piles and foundations, roads and site access, and civil constructability and risk assessment. Onsite field experience in the construction of utility-scale solar projects is highly desired.

This position is a full-time hybrid role with approximately 50% remote work and 50% in-person work at PSE’s headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Projects are located in central and southeast Washington, Montana, and potentially other western states. Occasional overnight travel may be needed but constant field presence will not be required.

Job Description

Provides professional civil engineering services and support in the planning, design, construction, and analysis of renewable generation facilities. Provides technical leadership to department management and resource development staff, providing expertise to broadly stated technical problems in the specialized field of renewables development. Serves as the team’s civil SME for all renewables projects in the portfolio. Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives. Reviews design and documentation to ensure compliance with PSE design criteria and standards. Coordinates with project stakeholders to identify and implement necessary project features. Ensures that civil engineering considerations are properly incorporated into project designs. Assignments may involve a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements, requiring considerations not previously encountered. Solutions provided by the Principal Engineer may involve unconventional or advanced problem-solving techniques. Supports the continued development of PSE’s engineering workforce by sharing knowledge with others and mentoring less senior engineers.

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

• Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, evaluations, due diligence, and studies utilizing specialized analytical skills.
• Manages technical issues for new generation resource acquisition and development, from early-stage feasibility analyses through construction.
• Provides review of technical exhibits, equipment supply agreements, engineering/procurement/construction agreements, performance standards, power purchase agreements, and other technical documents.
• Leads multiple critical and/or complex projects, including research, design, equipment specification and evaluation, and development of internal standards and procedures.
• Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with team’s work, and initiates corrective action.
• Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
• Provides technical leadership to others in the department and throughout the company.
• Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment and stakeholders.
• Maintains knowledge of industry developments and best practices and their application at PSE to further business objectives.
• Coordinates and reviews the work of engineers, project managers, and others who assist in specific assignments (including contractors/consultants). 
• Plans and schedules engineering resources to meet department needs.
• Develops and executes department strategy to support overall business objectives.
• 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.
• Extensive experience in planning, design, specification preparation, maintenance, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after ten (10) 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.
• Advanced technical and scientific expertise.
• Experience leading engineering projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external customers.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 7-10 years’ experience in the planning, design and construction of utility-scale solar projects is highly preferred.
• Onsite field experience in the construction of utility-scale solar projects.
• Familiarity with codes, standards, and equipment utilized in the design and construction of solar and other renewable facilities.
• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering License.
• Experience in technical management of complex, multimillion-dollar engineering projects.

Additional Information

At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.

The pay range for this position is $124,600.00 - $207,400.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses. 

PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com) .  

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy. 

Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at or View phone number on rigjobsdirect.com.