Engineer III - Substation Controls

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.

PSE's Engineering Operations team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open  Engineer III - Substation Controls  position!

Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Job Description

Substation Controls Design is looking for an engineer to join our team! This engineer will be responsible for designing controls systems for substations containing voltages of 12kV and above (typical transmission levels are 115 kV and 230 kV). Control systems at PSE are defined as all wiring for switchyard equipment, control house, and control panel devices up to the protective relays. The controls engineers at PSE are also responsible for field support and developing all project construction drawings including detailed schematics and wiring diagrams to integrate relays and other electrical components inside substations to operate, protect, and automate our electrical grid. Project work can include planned programs such as "brownfield" substation equipment upgrades and SCADA integration, new substation or "greenfield" design, and emergency equipment replacements. This role is in the Substation Engineering group and closely coordinates design with other PSE engineering teams including System Protection and Relay Engineering who are responsible for modeling, coordinating, and producing relay settings, and operations support, and Substation Design who are responsible for the electrical assembly and civil site design.

Provides professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets. Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives. Reviews design and documentation to ensure compliance with PSE expectations. Interprets and applies existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments involving a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements requiring considerations not previously encountered. Supports the continued development of PSE’s engineering workforce by sharing knowledge with others. Supports emergency response operations when needed.

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 evaluations for project alternatives with minimal 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 the department’s engineering workforce.
• 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 five (5) 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.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.
• Proficient in MicroStation or AutoCAD.

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 $94,300.00 - $156,900.00, 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.