Project Engineer

About Us

Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), was founded in 1965. We specialize in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, which include designing, estimating, material acquisition, project management, construction, emergency power restoration, system maintenance, and similar services. Our expertise is in power, transmission, distribution, and substation projects. We are a leading full-service provider of power infrastructure, construction, and support services in utility and energy contracting throughout the Pacific Northwest and neighboring states.

We are proud to be working with some of the region’s largest energy companies as we continue to modernize their electric systems, move towards de-carbonization, and maintain thousands of miles of overhead and underground lines serving millions of residential and commercial customers. We uphold high safety, productivity, and reliability standards as we work with our customers to provide both current and strategic, forward-thinking energy infrastructure, delivery, and solutions.

About this Role

Project Engineer 

Potelco, Inc.’s Engineering Department is seeking a Project Engineer I to join the Transmission Team in Sumner, WA. This position supports our Puget Sound Energy (PSE) contract and will evaluate Joint Use applications for pole attachment and other PSE projects. As a Project Engineer I, this position is expected to have at minimum one year of directly applicable experience within an electric utility or telecommunications position, preferably using PLS-CADD. Candidates with no prior applicable industry experience may be hired at the Associate Project Engineer level.

The Project Engineer I is responsible for reviewing communications customer applications within the PSE service region. They will utilize FEA within a 3D modeling software to analyze electrical transmission support structures for strength capacity and clearance distance requirements with the additional loading from fiber optic cables, cellular arrays, and other forms of equipment. The engineer is responsible for verifying that the scope sufficiently meets the requirements as set forth by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and various other codes established by local and state jurisdictions. They will recommend and design solutions to mitigate structural and clearance non-conformances where identified, based on PSE design standards for transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The pay range for this role is $36-$48/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

What You'll Do

• Engineer will primarily work independently on individual projects, collaborating with other group members and departments as needed.
• Review customer application documents, notifications and scopes of work, and work collaboratively with our customers to resolve inconsistencies.
• Perform field site visits to gather and verify project and existing equipment information
• Read and interpret utility standards, the National Electrical Safety Code, Washington Administrative Code, as well as county and city jurisdictional requirements to analyze transmission structures, evaluate clearances, and design replacements.
• Utilize field notes, LiDAR, mapping software, records, photos, and any other pertinent resources to complete 3D modeling for analysis and reporting.
• Use critical thinking and deductive reasoning in day-to-day work to solve complex problems where only limited standardization exists.
• Clearly and tactfully communicate project status, concerns, obstacles, and make-ready work with technical and non-technical individuals including customers, coworkers, construction crews, and other stakeholders verbally and in writing.
• Manage numerous concurrent projects with flexibility to shifting priorities. 
• Performs and completes other duties as assigned or requested.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field from ABET-accredited university; or three plus years related experience and/or training in lieu of education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing AutoCAD or other CAD/3D modeling programs.
• Ability to apply basic principles of mathematics and physics to solve simple problems by hand.
• Ability to be highly organized with a strong orientation to detail/quality work
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information, technical procedures, and data in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to write business correspondence and communicate effectively

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with PLS-CADD, O-Calc, or other power industry-specific CAD software.
• Experience in electric utility, telecommunications, or related field.
• Has an understanding of the electric grid, including the basic purpose of common transmission and distribution system equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience using the NESC.

What You'll Get

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Vision Insurance

Compensation Range

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.