Principal Network and 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

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking an accomplished Principa 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

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 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

TacomaPower

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/

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