Energy/Utilities Engineer 3

Description

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Energy/Utilities Engineer 3

Salary Consideration: Range 67, Step A ($84,528) – Step L ($110,952) annually. The starting employment offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications. Typically Step M of the pay range is a longevity step.

This recruitment is open until November 29, 2026, at 11:59pm. UTC reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process may contact the recruiter via telephone at (360) 664-1130 or email the UTC HR office at humanresources@utc.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Services at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

The Opportunity:

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill the role of an Energy/Utilities Engineer 3 position within the Telecommunications Section of the Regulatory Services Division. This advanced position contributes to the commission’s statewide public safety engineering programs in telecommunication matters that involve services, resource acquisitions, along with planning and deployment to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules. The Telecommunications, Water, and Transportation Section plays a pivotal role in guiding the commission through complex regulatory and technical issues by performing rigorous analysis, distilling critical decision points of complex filings, and balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders.

Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building when needed.

Travel:

Moderate travel during and outside normal work hours throughout the state or country may be required.

Who We Are:

Our Mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced.

Our Vision is to strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes as a regulator of utility and transportation services and prioritize inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington State.

We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency’s success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.

What We Offer Our Employees:

• UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.
• We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
• Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance.
• We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.
• Throughout a calendar year, employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.

Our Values:

• Respect - We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
• Professionalism - We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
• Integrity - We do the right things for the right reasons - trusting others to do the same.

Duties

What you’ll do:

Reporting to the Telecommunications Section Manager, the Energy/Utilities Engineer 3 (E/UE 3) investigates, evaluates, and analyzes potentially interrelated engineering, legal, policy, and technical aspects of tariff revisions, industry and company processes, commission policies, and/or other filings made by telecommunications companies. This role serves as the agency’s principal technical expert and staff resource on telecommunications engineering including emerging technologies and compliance with rules and regulations, programs, laws, regulatory principles, tariffs and other requirements of the commission.

The E/UE 3 also monitors quality of service outage reports submitted by telecommunication companies to verify that they meet UTC service standards and investigates service quality problems as required by statute and provides technical assistance to companies to ensure they understand those service quality standards. This position provides technology analysis direction, assistance, and coordination at the state and federal level on engineering and/or policy issues relating to the public switched telephone network and newer packet-switched IP-based technology. The E/U3 also understands cybersecurity best practices for the telecommunication industry. The incumbent assists Commissioners, policy staff and other UTC departments with the technical aspects of New Generation services in responding to state and federal issues such as Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Radio Frequency Interference, National Electrical Safety Code and standards, etc.

Additional duties include, but aren’t limited to the following:

• Develops and presents staff recommendations to the commission related to new or emerging technologies in the field of telecommunications.
• Proposes or assists other staff (policy, assistant attorney generals, consumer protection) in proposing industry best practices and policy statements.
• Provides written and oral testimony in formal hearings before the UTC and serves as an engineering consultant for the Commissioners (policy support) and to support staff’s legal position by clarifying pertinent technical issues.
• Prepares and presents presentations to the commission regarding staff recommendations for commission action primarily related to new or emerging technologies in the field of telecommunications to provide technical support for the Commissioners as well as management, and other staff (Regulatory Services, policy, Consumer Affairs, ALJs, and AGs) within the commission
• Provides technology analysis direction, assistance and coordination at the state and federal level on engineering and/or policy issues relating to the public switched telephone network and newer packet-switched IP-based technology.
• Assists Commissioners, policy staff and other UTC departments with the technical aspects of New Generation services in responding to state and federal issues such as Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Radio Frequency Interference, National Electrical Safety Code and standards, etc.
• Reviews telecommunication pole attachments to ensure compliance with the state’s regulations and in accordance with industry standard code and safety rules.
• Negotiates, discusses and recommends solutions and/or terms regarding complex complaints, company programs and service quality, contested issues, and other concerns with regulated companies; customers and/or consumers, and other parties or stakeholders.
• Provides external representation on industry task forces or panels relating to telecommunication issues, maintains technical proficiency and communicates commission positions to outside groups.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

The commission values diverse career paths and recognizes that competencies may be acquired through a combination of education, training, certifications, research, volunteer service, lived experience, military service, professional practice, or other demonstrated accomplishments.

• Bachelor’s degree with major study in engineering or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.

AND

• Demonstrated experience with:
• Developing short- and long-range plans; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data.
• Participating in quasi-judicial, evidentiary, and quasi-legislative proceedings, particularly as practiced at UTC.
• Collaborating with government agencies, elected officials, commission staff, Commissioners, attorneys, industry representatives and the public.
• Applying regulatory theory and practice within current and emerging regulatory environment, including knowledge of statutes, decisions, and innovative regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions.
• Negotiating mutually beneficial outcomes or policy goals in contested or controversial situations; understanding and communicating the interests of consumers and providers; building internal and external support for telecommunications recommendations to the Commissioners.
• Leading and implementing innovations and changes necessary to continuously improve agency processes.
• Working in and/or leading teams of professionals in multiple disciplines; mentoring, coaching, encouraging and providing constructive feedback to junior staff.
• Demonstrating knowledge of major policy, technical and operation issues in telecommunications.

OR

• Advanced knowledge in one or more of the following disciplines: engineering, cybersecurity, telecommunications, network development and testing or a closely related field.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in:

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Extensive experience in conducting research and analytical work involving regulatory, policy, financial, economic, legal, scientific, technical, or public administration matters.
• Highly proficient in the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative information; identifying trends or issues; drawing supported conclusions; and developing recommendations based on data, research, and analysis.
• Advanced practitioner with interpretation and application of laws, rules, policies, procedures, or regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively in writing and verbally with diverse audiences in both formal and informal settings.
• Strong practitioner in building and maintaining productive, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders, partners, and coworkers.
• Consistently manages complex projects, assignments, timelines, priorities, or process improvement objectives.
• Highly proficient in conducting research, analysis, regulatory, policy, compliance, auditing, investigative, or closely related experience

In addition to the ability to use information technology resources effectively, applicants must have advanced knowledge of:

• Engineering and technical developments in the telecommunications industry, such as packet-switched telephony, Signaling System Seven (SS7), telephone switch operations, telephone number portability and outside plants.
• Major national or international design standards in telecommunications, such as BellCore, COCAG; SmartGrid Security and Privacy, Electric Power Research Institute, NESC, Internet Engineering Task Force.
• Major national or international telecommunications transport standards such as Integrated Services Digital Network, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Multiprotocol Label Switching, Ethernet, and Synchronous Optical Network.
• All facets of the telecommunications industry and the business interests of both regulated and non-regulated providers.
• Ongoing technology and market changes will require this individual to complete continuing education requirements as assigned by a supervisor.

Demonstration of EDI Competencies (expected of all employees):

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship

Demonstration of UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):

• Accountability
• DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
• Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth
• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship
• Measuring Success and Improvement
• Customer Focus
• Results Focus
• Communication Skills
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Self-Development
• Continuous Process Improvement

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

One or a combination of the following:

• An advanced degree in electrical, civil, mechanical, chemical, computer, network, telecommunications, or industrial engineering.
• Three (3) or more years’ experience in a team or project management capacity.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn:
• Principles, practices, methods, terminology, and emerging trends in wireline communications systems engineering, as well as mobile and microwave radio communications engineering, including radio frequency allocation, electromagnetic wave propagation, radio field strength measurement, and applicable performance standards and tolerances.
• Theory and operation of telephone, data telegraph and teletype systems.
• NESC and other engineering standards
• Engineering economics.
• FCC rules and regulations.
• Traffic handling procedures.
• Procedures used in regulatory hearings and effective organizational methods.

Supplemental Information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• RCW 80.01.020 limits the UTC's ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the UTC regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company. Such interests include those of an employee's spouse.
• UTC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

How to Apply:

Interested in joining the UTC team? Click the Apply button at the top to begin! We only consider candidates for further screening if the following documents are attached to your completed application packet.

• Letter of Interest describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.
• Resume detailing your applicable experience and education.
• References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses. One (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application, including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire, along with the required attachments - letter of interest, resume, and references submitted as part of the application process. Please note, see resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application or supplemental questionnaire. If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the UTC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the candidate needed for this or other roles. All information may be verified; additional documentation may be required. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job. The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Veterans Preference

For information about YesVets click here. Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their redacted DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact UTC Human Resources at humanresources@utc.wa.gov.

For more information about the UTC, please visit:

www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc

The State of Washington:

http://access.wa.gov

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026