Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: T0400-26
Department: Power
Division: Power - Utility Technology Services
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of talented network & communication systems Engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of our critical Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. In this role, you'll serve as the team lead, senior technical network strategist, and advisor for critical systems that support utility operations-delivering reliability and performance across control centers, substations, remote field environments, and other mission-critical systems.

You'll supervise a small team, guide large infrastructure projects from concept to execution, and play a vital role in the planning, procurement, and lifecycle management of TPU's wide, local, and field area networks. Acting as a key bridge between infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners, you'll help shape TPU's long-term OT strategy while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

This is a leadership-track engineering position designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical capability, operational excellence, and strategic foresight.

Primary Responsibilities

Management

• Supports the workgroup Manager in the direct supervision of the Network and Communication Engineering team, also working in conjunction with other TPU staff on multiple highly complex integrated projects.
• Provides training, mentorship, guidance, and support to junior personnel, and gives direction and support to contractors, consultants, internal engineers, and technicians by possessing and displaying a high level of technical knowledge.
• Support performance reviews for subordinates and provide recommendations for hiring, terminations, and discipline.
• Direct and assign tasks as needed to support projects, operations, and maintenance activities. Provide technical and operational support to customers and business partners.
• Recommend, procure, and coordinate training for staff to develop technical skill sets to support the workgroup technology portfolio and facilitate knowledge sharing to increase department resilience.
• Assist with budget development for biannual capital projects and operations & maintenance (O&M) activities. Responsible for managing project expenditures.

Network Engineer

• Provide guidance and direction to other engineers and technicians in installing, commissioning, maintaining, and repairing IT/OT systems.
• Subject matter expert and technical lead for TPU's communication infrastructure.
• Support and evaluate OT initiative project proposals. Inspect projects and related activities to ensure compliance with the specifications, contracts, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Perform advanced level of engineering duties in the preparation, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and analysis of engineering projects. Analyze data and coordinate projects with consultants and contractors. Prepare drawings for reference documentation. Prepare cost estimate, scheduling, material equipment purchases and delivery contracts. Evaluate bids, administer contracts with consultants, manage project task progress, interpret and modify vendor design criteria.
• Utilize a high level of technical expertise in the design, programming, and implementation of the operational control systems. Prepare technical specifications, engineering calculations and plans for engineering projects.
• Evaluate and coordinate maintenance, repair, installation, and design of computing architecture to support operational control systems.
• Investigate and respond to incidents impacting operational control system functions. Research, analyze, and perform advanced troubleshooting to address system malfunctions.
• Serve as a technical advisor to the Utility Technology Architecture Board (UTAB).
• Monitor technology advancements in the industry to ensure ongoing adherence to industry best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned:
Washington State Driver's License

Depending on assignment, some positions may require the ability to pass additional background checks and/or obtain additional certifications, with maintenance thereafter.
Desired Qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as VCP, CCNP, or CISSP.
• Experience with:
  • OT infrastructure in regulated environments (e.g., NERC CIP).
  • Cisco ecosystem
  • Nokia MPLS ecosystem
  • System hardening and secure infrastructure design.
  • Backup, storage, and disaster recovery in OT environments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others, lead large cross-functional initiatives, and participate in architectural governance.
• Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application.I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have an equivalent combination to a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field AND 5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience including 1 year prior as a subject matter expert/project lead? (Please note, education and experience can be substituted on a year for year basis)

• Yes
• No

03

One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
04

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05

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