Senior Engineer 2026

Description This position is responsible to plan, scope, schedule and conduct complex and/or technically sophisticated engineering work requiring independent judgment for a variety of projects including work done by engineering consultants. Act as lead design engineer, project engineer or project manager on projects with novel, difficult and multi-disciplinary aspects or features. Has technical responsibility for preliminary and final designs and design criteria. Leads project teams and interacts with crew superintendents, foreman and contractors, other utilities and regulatory agencies to troubleshoot and resolve problems during construction or installation. May supervise or be assisted on projects by engineers, other staff or consultants. Examples of Duties

Primary duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform complex engineering design and analysis related to electric power generation and utility facilities; prepare cost estimates, follow quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, and develop inspection and testing plans.
• Manage and maintain the District’s electrical power model and relay protection system of record; coordinate with external engineering firms to update, validate, and document the power model.
• Maintain and update relay protection settings, records, and associated documentation in the system of record; ensure QA/QC and alignment with operational configurations. Provide technical guidance and support to Operations and Metering and Substation personnel on protection settings, relay testing, and system changes. Support relay setting updates, commissioning, and post-event analyses; develop corrective actions and recommend equipment or setting changes as needed.
• Conduct engineering planning, feasibility studies, economic analyses, and technical report writing; develop alternatives to address operational problems, regulatory concerns, efficiency improvements, and asset management needs.
• Oversee the District’s North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance program and associated personnel; assist with compliance policies and procedures and coordinate with NERC and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) representatives as necessary.
• Manage projects from concept through closeout, including scope, schedule, budget, project-team coordination, progress reports, presentations, and recommendations to District leadership and the Commission.
• Lead consultant selection and, with appropriate staff assistance, negotiate and administer consultant contracts; ensure compliance with permits, agreements, stakeholder requirements, and QA/QC procedures.
• Troubleshoot operations and maintenance issues with Metering and Substation, Power Operations, and customers as needed; analyze equipment faults and failures, develop testing approaches, and recommend solutions.
• Lead the selection, specification, procurement, installation, testing, and acceptance of electrical equipment, infrastructure, and facilities; prepare technical specifications and assist with public works and purchase bid packages.
• Review bids, submittals, and construction requests for information; support inspection and testing, address material or construction problems, and coordinate startup and operations and maintenance training.
• Provide preliminary project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates, including review of consultant-prepared materials.
• Participate in interdisciplinary work process improvement efforts.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with District safety procedures and position-specific safety requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Engineering and project management principles, practices, procedures, methods, materials, equipment, technical software, schedules, specifications, and contract documents.
• Civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering design and project management related to utility facilities, including engineering calculations and interpretation of drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Distribution and transmission protection systems, substation design and protection, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories protective relays.
• City, county, state, and federal permitting agencies, processes, and timelines.
• Public works construction methods, equipment, and materials.

Ability to:

• Apply critical thinking, advanced problem-solving, and systems analysis to complex engineering and operational issues.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently and coordinate work across engineering disciplines.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with District staff, skilled trades personnel, contractors, customers, regulators, and engineers.
• Use office technology and engineering analysis and design software.
• Demonstrate the District’s performance competencies.
• Complex Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Advanced Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Advanced Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Personal computer use, office software.
• Engineering analysis and design software.

Typical Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering or equivalent. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a utility or industrial environment is required.

• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Card, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of regular status employment.
• Post-offer background check required.
• Post-offer drug test required.

Valid Driver’s License: Valid driver's license required. Preferred Qualifications: Electrical engineering degree from ABET accredited institution; if PE is not current must obtain with 1 year. -OR- Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the job.

Professional Competencies:

• Maintain a professional and courteous manner with customers and fellow employees.
• Communicate clearly, persuasively, courteously, and professionally with co-workers, the public, and other business contacts.
• Self-motivated with a strong attention to detail and the demonstrated ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision.
• Handle multiple projects and deadlines; set priorities and be productive with little or no direct supervision; demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Must exhibit excellent problem solving, reasoning and decision-making skills and apply these impromptu and under pressure.
• Work well in a team environment, developing a good rapport with both customers and fellow employees.
• Ability to assess a job and determine the materials, equipment and personnel required to complete it in a cost effective and timely manner.
• Must be able to apply engineering theory to the design of electric distribution lines.

Supplemental Information

• Office environment requiring extensive sitting and performing computer work.
• Frequent fieldwork requiring ability to traverse rough terrain, exposure to hazards associated with construction sites; work in extreme/inclement weather and wearing of PPE.
• Frequent travel by small truck or SUV on primitive and rural roads.
• Frequently operate machines including personal computers, two-way radio, motor vehicle, surveying equipment, field GIS/GPS, calculator, copier, telephone, and locating equipment.
• Physical requirements include climbing in and out of trucks, driving for long distances, sitting for long periods, walking, and carrying equipment over uneven terrain, and working outdoors in harsh weather.
• Ability to work unscheduled overtime as requested.

Benefits

Klickitat PUD offers a generous benefits package which includes medical/ dental/ vision/life, short and long term disability insurances along with HRA-VEBA medical savings plan. Klickitat PUD also offers Washington State Retirement and two 457 deferred compensation plans . Other benefits included are PTO which starts accruing at 21 days per year along with 11 paid holidays, AFLAC and an on going training program.