Lead OT Network & Communications Engineer

City of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Tacoma's Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) seeks a Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of network and communication systems engineers in designing and implementing OT infrastructure across control centers, substations, and field environments. You will guide projects from concept to execution, mentor engineers, manage budget, and align IT/OT with security and compliance.

This leadership-track role emphasizes strategic vision and hands-on technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field.
• 5 years of progressively responsible industrial controls experience, 1 year at senior/lead level.
• Washington State Driver's License; background checks may be required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor the Network & Communication Engineering team.
• Provide guidance on installing, commissioning, maintaining, and repairing OT/IT systems.
• Lead project evaluation, bidding, and vendor coordination.
• Develop and manage budgets for capital projects and O&M.
• Ensure compliance with codes and align with cybersecurity and governance needs.
• Serve as technical advisor to TPU architecture boards and partners.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentorship

Project coordination

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Cisco ecosystem

Nokia MPLS

SCADA familiarity

Job description

City of Tacoma's Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) seeks a Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of network and communication systems engineers in designing and implementing OT infrastructure across control centers, substations, and field environments. You will guide projects from concept to execution, mentor engineers, manage budget, and align IT/OT with security and compliance.

This leadership-track role emphasizes strategic vision and hands-on technical excellence.