LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!
Join Chelan PUD’s Transmission & Distribution team and help power one of the most innovative public utilities in the Pacific Northwest. We’re seeking talented electrical engineers to support projects that enhance reliability, modernize infrastructure, and deliver safe, efficient power to our community.
About the Role
Our T&D Department works on all facets of transmission, distribution, and substation systems. This position offers opportunities to contribute to projects at voltages ranging from 12 kV to 230 kV, supporting critical infrastructure and future growth.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome candidates with experience in any of the following areas:
- Substation and switchyard equipment replacements and repairs (breakers, transformers, voltage transformers, etc.)
- Switchgear replacements and repairs
- Substation/switchyard design
- Substation/Distribution automation
- Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)
- Protection & control
If you have experience in one or more of these areas, we encourage you to apply—experience in all areas is not required.
Why Chelan PUD?
- Work on impactful projects that support system reliability and modernization
- Collaborate with a skilled team in a dynamic, community-focused environment
- Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits in a region known for its quality of life
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help us power the future.
www.chelanpud.org/careers
SALARY RANGE
- The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer I will be $78,320 - $97,900, with a maximum opportunity of up to $117,480 with tenure and strong performance.
- The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer II will be $90,000 - $112,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $135,000 with tenure and strong performance.
- The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer III will be $98,800 - $123,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $148,200 with tenure and strong performance.
- The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer Senior I will be $108,640 - $135,800, with a maximum opportunity of up to $162,960 with tenure and strong performance.
- The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer Senior II will be $126,640 - $158,300, with a maximum opportunity of up to $189,960 with tenure and strong performance.
Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.
BENEFITS EPOA
In addition to competitive wages Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include zero cost employer funded medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits, access to the employee assistance program, and a VEBA health reimbursement account.
Washington state retirement PERS participation and optional 457 plan participation with an employer matching 401(a) plan.
Leave, life & disability benefits including paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 with tenure, 12 paid holidays per calendar year, paid jury duty, short-term disability & long-term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life.
The work life benefits include optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, educational assistance, various rewards and recognition programs and position specific stipends.
For more explanation of the district benefits please visit our benefits website .
Overview
The Electrical Engineer, T&D supports Chelan PUD’s electric system through engineering analysis, design, and operational support across a range of complexity levels. Responsibilities include performing calculations, developing designs, and preparing plans and specifications for procurement and construction.
Engineers in this role contribute to system planning, reliability, and project delivery by supporting or leading technical work, conducting feasibility studies, and solving engineering challenges. Depending on experience level, the position works with increasing independence, determines appropriate methodologies, and may lead projects or multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable public power solutions.
Responsibilities
- Provide electrical engineering support for Chelan PUD’s transmission and distribution systems, including design, analysis, planning, and project execution. Work may focus on areas such as system protection, system planning and studies, structural line design, and substation/switchyard design.
- Perform engineering design, modeling, and analysis of varying complexity, including power flow, short-circuit, stability, and fault studies. Develop and review schematics, one-lines, and construction drawings; prepare technical specifications, cost estimates, and bid packages; and evaluate equipment and system alternatives to support reliable, efficient operations.
- Support system planning and capital projects by conducting feasibility studies, economic analysis, and technical reporting. Lead or contribute to projects from concept through construction, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement, contractor coordination, and QA/QC compliance.
- Provide field and operational support by troubleshooting system issues, supporting maintenance and switching activities, developing inspection and test plans, and resolving construction challenges. Partner with System Operations to maintain safe and reliable grid performance.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE, NEC, NERC/WECC) and support development and implementation of District standards and processes. Monitor regulatory requirements and contribute to compliance efforts, including documentation and self-assessments.
- Collaborate across departments and with external partners, contractors, and consultants. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to a strong safety culture aligned with Chelan PUD policies and Washington state regulations.
Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, and design methods related to electric utility transmission and distribution systems, with increasing depth and independence based on level. Understanding of system modeling, protection, planning, construction practices, and project management.
- Familiarity with applicable industry codes and standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE, NEC, NFPA, FERC, NERC, WECC, ANSI) and ability to interpret and apply them to engineering designs and operational challenges.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate alternatives, perform engineering analysis, and develop practical, reliable solutions to both routine and complex problems.
- Ability to manage priorities, organize work, and contribute to or lead projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, and collaborate with engineers, operations staff, contractors, and leadership.
- Proficiency with engineering and business software tools such as power system modeling programs (e.g., PowerWorld, PSLF, Aspen, PLS-CADD, SpidaCALC), as well as Microsoft Office, project management tools, and asset/work management systems (e.g., Maximo, Primavera).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, provide direction in the field, mentor less experienced staff, and continuously learn and apply new technologies and industry practices.
- Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable public power service.
Qualifications
Electrical Engineer I Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education
- Bachelor's Degree (B.S., B.A. from a college or university) in Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineer II, III Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.
- Bachelor's Degree (B.S., B.A.) in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or Engineering of Technology,
- EI (Engineering Intern) or EIT (Engineer in Training) achieved by passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam preferred.
Electrical Engineer Senior I, Senior II Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.
- Bachelor's Degree (B.S., B.A.) in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology, required. and
- PE in the State of Washington strongly preferred.
Electrical Engineer I Experience
- Candidates with work experience transmission and distribution systems, with an electric utility or similar applications are preferred.
Electrical Engineer II Experience
- 2+ years' Experience performing fundamental transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design required. and
- Experience must include examples of successful application of basic engineering in the form of reports, specifications and drawings, participation in data collection and field research or inspections. required.
Electrical Engineer III Experience
- 4+ years experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. and
- Experience must include examples of successful application of engineering of medium complexity in the form of reports, specifications and drawings, participation in data collection and field research or inspections. required
Electrical Engineer Senior I Experience
- 6+ years Requires a minimum of six (6) years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. and
- Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application. required.
Electrical Engineer Senior II Experience
- 8+ years Experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. and
- Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application. required.
Licenses and Certifications
Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire required
BACKGROUND SCREENING
Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
As part of its recruiting process, Chelan PUD may engage a third-party vendor to perform previous employment verification, education verification, and reference checking.
EEO
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish.
Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)
Pay: $78,320.00 - $158,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
