Operations Technology Engineer, Senior

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a Senior Operations Technology Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure supporting reliable utility operations. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical expert for mission-critical systems spanning control centers, substations, and remote field sites—ensuring high availability, security, and regulatory compliance across TPU's service territory. As an experienced individual contributor, you will plan and coordinate complex infrastructure initiatives from concept through execution, with deep expertise in virtualization platforms. You will collaborate closely with networking, cybersecurity, SCADA, and compliance teams to develop technical standards, contribute to architecture roadmaps. A key aspect of this role includes serving as a subject matter expert for

NERC CIP

compliance requirements, supporting audit preparation and execution. This position requires hands-on technical leadership across the full lifecycle of OT systems—including hardware, operating systems, virtual server environments, and industrial control systems—performed in alignment with established reliability and regulatory compliance standards. The successful candidate will bring advanced troubleshooting skills, a strong understanding of best practices in OT environments, and the ability to work effectively across technical and operational teams.

Job Responsibilities:

Plan, design, and implement advanced engineering projects supporting operational technology systems, including preparation of specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and technical documentation. Research technical and business requirements; develop and review technical specifications and designs to ensure alignment with operational and compliance standards. Lead the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of IT/OT computing and control system infrastructure across control centers, substations, and remote field sites. Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for Tacoma Power's private cloud and virtual server environments. Assist in the development of technical standards, architecture documents, and long-term technology roadmaps for OT systems. Evaluate, test, and deploy system patches, configuration changes, and updates to maintain cybersecurity posture and system stability. Design and develop test plans; review and modify programming; manage system upgrades and improvements. Compile and maintain project records; create complex drawings and diagrams documenting technical aspects of industrial control systems, solutions architecture, security, and connectivity. Monitor system alarms, events, and trends; perform advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of issues impacting operational control systems. Serve as a subject matter expert for

NERC CIP

compliance requirements; prepare technical evidence and documentation to support regulatory audits. Analyze system performance logs, optimize configurations, and recommend improvements to ensure high availability and operational efficiency. Oversee vendor and contractor performance, managing procurement processes and ensuring compliance with design standards, project specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements. Develop and review RFQ/RFP documents, technical specifications, and design criteria for new technology initiatives. Support application engineers and system operators with configuration changes and system updates impacting operations. Participate in 24x7 on-call rotation as a first responder for system incidents and outages. Minimum Education• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field Minimum Experience• 4 years of progressively responsible computer network, communications engineering or industrial controls experience

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 •

Equivalency:

1 year of experience = 1 year of education 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 LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits Pay Details:

Annual Salary:

$113,568.00 - $159,910.40 Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma Tacoma Power Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny: http://www.cityoftacoma.

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//www.traveltacoma.com/ City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion A Commitment to Equity & Diversity At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table. The Community Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! View this exciting video to learn more about the

City of Tacoma:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI Application Process Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check. Get Assistance For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes. Communication with the City of Tacoma We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note:

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.