Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers.   A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.

Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!

We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.

We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.

Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.

Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled

Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document. Your cover letter must summarize your education and experience as it relates to the position.  Incomplete materials will not be considered.

To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  

Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at [email protected] to discuss the position.

The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer I will be $75,440 - $94,300, with a maximum opportunity of up to $113,160 with tenure and strong performance.

The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer II will be $86,720 - $108,400, with a maximum opportunity of up to $130,080 with tenure and strong performance.

The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer III will be $95,200 - $119,000, with a maximum opportunity of up to $142,800 with tenure and strong performance.

The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer Senior I will be $104,640 - $130,800, with a maximum opportunity of up to $156,960 with tenure and strong performance.

The advertised hiring range for an Electrical Engineer Senior II will be $122,000 - $152,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $183,000 with tenure and strong performance.

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

In addition to competitive wages Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include zero cost employer funded medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits, access to the employee assistance program, a VEBA health reimbursement account, and long-term care.

Washington state retirement PERS participation and optional 457 plan participation with an employer matching 401(a) plan.

Leave, life & disability benefits including paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 with tenure, 11 paid holidays per calendar year, paid jury duty, short-term disability & long-term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life.

The work life benefits include optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, educational assistance, various rewards and recognition programs and position specific stipends.

For more explanation of the district benefits please visit our benefits website www.mychelanpudbenefits.org.

This position will be filled at the Electrical Engineer I, II, III, Senior I or Senior II level contingent upon the selected candidate's experience.

JOB OVERVIEW Electrical Engineer I: This role involves performing entry-level engineering tasks in areas such as structural line design, substation design, system protection, and planning for transmission and distribution systems. Responsibilities include drafting specifications, conducting field inspections, analyzing system operations, and assisting with regulatory compliance under the guidance of senior engineers. The position supports operations through technical inspections, outage coordination, basic analysis, and the preparation of engineering documents and estimates. It also requires learning software tools, applying industry codes and standards, and ensuring procedures align with NERC Reliability Standards.

JOB OVERVIEW Electrical Engineer II: This role involves performing fundamental engineering tasks in transmission and distribution, including design, analysis, cost estimating, and project management, with a focus on areas like system protection, planning, and substation design. Responsibilities include drafting specifications and reports, supporting field construction, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with operations staff to ensure safe and reliable system performance. The position also supports regulatory compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, contributes to developing engineering procedures, and stays current with codes and standards. With guidance from senior staff, the role may involve managing basic projects, preparing procurement documents, and participating in consultant coordination and contract oversight.

JOB OVERVIEW Electrical Engineer III: This role involves performing and managing moderately complex engineering design, analysis, and project work for transmission and distribution systems, including tasks like system protection, structural design, and planning. Responsibilities include preparing technical specifications, cost estimates, feasibility studies, and providing field support through inspections, troubleshooting, and design modifications. The position supports system operations coordination, ensures compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, and contributes to the development and application of industry codes and internal standards. With limited guidance, the engineer leads routine projects, manages contracts, communicates progress to stakeholders, and ensures quality and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

JOB OVERVIEW Electrical Engineer Senior I:  This role involves independently performing and managing advanced engineering design, analysis, and project work for transmission and distribution systems, with leadership responsibilities in areas such as system protection, structural design, and substation development. The engineer leads technical execution, develops design alternatives, prepares specifications and cost estimates, and conducts complex system studies, while also mentoring junior staff. Responsibilities include providing field support, resolving construction issues, assisting with regulatory compliance (including NERC standards), and interpreting and contributing to engineering codes and standards. The position also includes leading moderately complex projects, managing budgets and contracts, and ensuring QA/QC compliance from project planning through closeout.

JOB OVERVIEW Electrical Engineer Senior II: This role leads complex engineering design, analysis, and project management for transmission and distribution systems, often solving obscure or indeterminate problems and guiding multi-disciplinary teams. Responsibilities include developing advanced design solutions, conducting sophisticated system studies, preparing specifications and cost estimates, and mentoring lower-level engineers. The engineer independently resolves complex field and operational issues, supports regulatory compliance with a strong understanding of codes and standards, and contributes to technical standard development. The position also involves managing complex projects from planning through closeout, including budget, contract, and stakeholder coordination, with minimal oversight.

QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Post-Secondary Education Electrical Engineer I, II, III:  Bachelor's degree (B. S., B. A.) in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology; or equivalent combination of education and experience. EI (Engineering Intern) or EIT (Engineer in Training) achieved by passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, preferred.

Post-Secondary Education Senior I, II: Bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A.)  in Engineering; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.   PE in the State of Washington strongly preferred.

Experience Electrical Engineer I: Entry Level.  No experience required. Candidates with work experience in transmission and distribution systems, with an electric utility or similar applications are preferred.

Experience Electrical Engineer II: 2+ years' experience performing fundamental transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design required. Experience must include examples of successful application of basic engineering in the form of reports, specifications and drawings, participation in data collection and field research or inspections.

Experience Electrical Engineer III: 4+ years' experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. Experience must include examples of successful application of engineering of medium complexity in the form of reports, specifications and drawings, participation in data collection and field research or inspections. required.

Experience Senior I: 6+ years’ experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.

Experience Senior II: 8+ years' experience performing transmission or distribution electrical engineering of increasing complexity in one or more of the following areas: substation design, distribution system design, physical and structural design of overhead lines, system protection, distribution and transmission system planning, or substation/switchyard design. required. Experience must include examples of successful application of advanced engineering analysis, troubleshooting, system maintenance and design, and specialty application.

Skills & Abilities:

Engineering Knowledge & Application: Demonstrates a progressive understanding of electrical engineering principles, design practices, and tools, with increasing independence in applying codes, standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE, NFPA, NERC), and software such as PLS-CADD, PowerWorld, and Aspen One-Liner.

Problem Solving & Analysis: Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve engineering problems of varying complexity; able to evaluate multiple solutions, perform feasibility studies, and lead technical investigations.

Project & Field Support: Applies knowledge of construction practices, project management, and quality control to support and lead design and construction activities, develop estimates, manage schedules, and resolve field issues.

Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly in writing and speech with technical and non-technical audiences, collaborates across disciplines, and leads or mentors engineering teams and junior staff effectively.

Regulatory Compliance & Standards: Maintains strong familiarity with NERC/WECC reliability standards and applies appropriate industry codes across projects while contributing to internal technical standards and compliance assurance.

Technical Tools & Proficiency: Proficient with engineering and office software including Microsoft Suite, Primavera, Maximo, and PeopleSoft; operates technical equipment and stays current by consulting references as needed for complex or uncommon tasks.

Physical Demands
•    Sitting - Regularly
•    Standing - Occasionally
•    Walking - Occasionally
•    Lifting 1-10 lbs Floor-Waist: Hand/Power tools, small parts/equipment - Occasionally
•    Lifting 1-10 lbs Waist-Shoulders: Same - Occasionally
•    Lifting 1-10 lbs Above Shoulders: Same - Occasionally
•    Lifting 11-25 lbs Floor-Waist: Various tools, equipment, parts - Occasionally
•    Lifting 11-25 lbs Waist-Shoulders: Same - Occasionally
•    Lifting 11-25 lbs Above Shoulders: Same - Occasionally
•    Climb Stairs - Occasionally
•    Twist/Flex/Extend - Neck area - Occasionally
•    Twisting at Waist - Occasionally
•    Stooping/Bending - Occasionally
•    Squatting/Kneeling - Occasionally
•    Crawling - Occasionally
•    Repetitive Motions - Regularly
•    Talking - Frequently
•    Visual - Near Acuity - Regularly

Working Conditions
•    Noise Intensity Level: - Moderate

District Values
•    Safety - Protect public and employee health and safety

•    Stewardship - Acting on behalf of customer-owners, protecting public resources entrusted to us

•    Trustworthy - Competence, integrity, respect

•    Operational Excellence - High-quality innovative work execution

A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire).  A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.

Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.

Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.

EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish. 

Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)