System Design Engineering

NW Natural; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation and sick time

Flexible work arrangements

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

NW Natural in Portland, Oregon seeks an experienced System Design Engineer to provide BTU modeling, hydraulic modeling, and system design support across multiple teams. The role includes forecasting, planning for IRP filings, and coordinating projects with engineering and operations.

The position requires a engineering degree, PE is desirable, and 5+ years for Level 3 (more for Level 4). Hybrid work is available for OR/WA residents with on-site expectations at HQ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or civil preferred).
• PE license desirable; licensed professional engineer preferred.
• 5+ years of experience for Level 3; 3 additional years for Level 4.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily BTU modeling for heat content and billing accuracy.
• Develop hydraulic models from GIS data and update quarterly.
• Support IRP filings and provide stakeholder presentations.
• Assist with system design, flow studies, and pipeline sizing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project planning.

Skills

Leadership

Coordination

Time management

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

DNV Synergii

GIS

Job description

System Design Engineering

Non-Union Position
Engineering Staff; Portland,Oregon (US-OR)

Hybrid scheduleavailablefor Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5586

About Us:

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve.Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.

In addition to environmental stewardship, we're also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

NOTE:

Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of three days per week. Specific inoffice days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work.

Position Summary:

Responsible for utilizing network modeling software to provide ongoing technical support to Engineering, Customer Acquisition, Gas Control, Strategic Planning and Operations. This position performs Daily BTU modeling, analyzes and supports large capital projects and provides assistance in pressure and flow studies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs Daily BTU Modeling to determine the heat content of gas required for customer billing accuracy.
• Develops new hydraulic models using GIS data, which includes importing pipelines, regulator stations, gate stations, and storage assets.
• Conducts quarterly updates to hydraulic models using current field data to maintain accuracy and system reliability.
• Briefs internal stakeholders on the gas distribution system in preparation for winter operations.
• Implements customer regression-based forecasting using DNV Synergii's Customer Management Module (CMM) and allocates customer demands to hydraulic models.
• Provides Engineering support to the Strategic Planning Team during biennial Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filings, including drafting sections of the IRP and presenting findings and procedures to external stakeholders.
• Performs system design support, including flow and pressure studies, feasibility requests, and pipeline network development recommendations including system reinforcement projects for the IRP.
• Evaluates non-pipeline alternatives, such as CNG/LNG trailer deployments and demand response strategies.
• Assists engineers in appropriately sizing new and replacement pipelines for customer acquisition and system reinforcements.
• Responds to a variety of inquiries and concerns related to system design from customers.
• Supports operational response teams and their planning efforts during winter operations.
• Assists engineers and operational personnel on projects as necessary.
• Assures timely integration of current customer load data and pipe network data to support short-term network modeling needs.
• Prepares project cost estimates and timeline projections for use in planning the development of the NW Natural gas delivery system.
• Maintains ongoing communication with internal customers involved with customer growth planning efforts and local and state agencies to gather forecast data for use in planning studies.
• Evaluates the feasibility of accepting alternatives fuels such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and hydrogen on the distribution system.
• Performs unsteady state analyses to determine distribution system and supply requirements to serve extreme cold weather events.

Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably mechanical or civil engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Engineering Level 3 requires 5+ years of experience. Additional 3 years of experience required for Engineering Level 4.
• Ability to register as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desired.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in construction-related work or utility construction/installation for Level 3. Additional years of experience for Engineering level 4.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role overseeing and coordinating multiple functions to complete projects.
• Experience in System Planning or network modeling in the natural gas industry is preferred.
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate projects, plans, and ongoing program activities.
• Demonstrated skill in organizing multiple tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and balance priorities.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of the following: federal pipeline safety rules, utility construction standards, and OSHA regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, government representatives and contractor personnel on technical matters governing construction projects.
• Ability to travel to Company headquarters for work.
• Ability to visit and access construction and other worksite locations as required.
• Possess/maintain a valid Oregon or Washington driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Subject to random drug testing.

What we offer:

Health & Wellness -

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Up to 23 Vacation Days
• 80 Hours of Sick Time
• 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
• 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room

Financial -

• Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
• Wellness incentive program

Discounts -

• 20% off natural gas service
• Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
• TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
• Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless

Base salary range: $110,250.00 - $157,100 (Level 3) or$123,500.00-$175,950.00 (Level 4) per year, depending on qualifications

Annual Target Incentive: Level 3, 12.0% target
Level 4, 12.0% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% - 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.

Deadline: 8/30/26

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates' diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or [phone].