Principal Network and Communications Engineer

Tacoma Public Utilities; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead a team of network & communication systems engineers in the design, implementation, and innovation of the OT infrastructure that supports utility operations across control centers, substations, and remote field environments.

You will supervise staff, guide large projects from concept to execution, mentor engineers, and align TPU's OT strategy with cybersecurity, compliance, and business partners to ensure

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor the Network and Communication Engineering team and coordinate with contractors and internal staff.
• Lead design, implementation, and lifecycle management of TPU OT networks across control centers, substations, and field environments.
• Evaluate OT initiative projects, ensure compliance with contracts and codes, and manage project budgeting and scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

IT/OT networking

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Cisco ecosystem

Nokia MPLS ecosystem

Job description

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.

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

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 ICSS/SCADA systems, secure remote access, and segmented network design.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

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

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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.org/

https://www.mytpu.org/

http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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.

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