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Applications/Systems Engineer, Principal
Salary
$131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Non-Classified
Job Number
T0020-26
Department
Power
Division
Power Management
Opening Date
07/09/2026
Closing Date
7/23/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Power Management team is looking for an Applications/Systems Engineer, Principal to join their team! In this role you will provide and maintain the departmental computing and functional systems capability for the Resource Operations & Trading group, which is a mission critical, 24/7 operation. This position is a highly technical, specialized position that requires the problem solving and design skills of an engineer, with the software development and code-writing skills of a programmer.
The Resource Operations & Trading group optimizes Tacoma Power's resource portfolio through efficient, reliable dispatch of generation resources to maximize wholesale energy sales revenue. This is accomplished with responsible water planning and analysis, regional coordination and analysis, wholesale energy trading and the supporting analysis, the associated accounting and reporting, and the systems engineering to support the work specific business activities. The wholesale energy trading activities directly impact Tacoma Power's ability to maintain low and stable rates to our customers.
Responsibilities Include:
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive systems and software solutions as business needs are identified for data collecting, processing, and reporting; Integrate 3rd party solutions into existing architecture; Write automated unit tests to ensure proper coverage; Review and update operating guides to ensure quality and understanding of Development, test and production environments
Provide production support for internal and 3rd party systems: This will include monitoring all production systems for reliability, responding to user production issues, assisting users in accessing data including developing reports, implementing all support policies and guidelines. For 3rd parties it would include working collectively with the vendor to provide those offerings listed above
Assess and implement methods for data sharing with other electric utilities, utility consortiums, regulating bodies and other operating divisions within Tacoma Power
Learn new technologies for development and advancement of current applications, current tools, and current and anticipated needs of the Resource Operations & Trading functions
Provide direction for the adoption of technology within the Resource Operations & Trading group
Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree (may prefer/require Master's degree)
Minimum Experience*
5 years of software development, software architecture and database/ data warehouse experience including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level
*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
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
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Apply
All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.
Appointment is subject to references and passing a background check.
A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
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.
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power (https://www.linkedin.com/company/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.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment @type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
What is your highest level of education? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
High School Dimploma or GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
None of the above
02
Do you have 5 years of software development, software architecture and database/ data warehouse experience? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
Yes
No
03
Do you have 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level? *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
Yes
No
04
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
05
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Professional organization
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City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
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Instagram
Careers in Government
Government Jobs
Outreach Event
National Diversity Network
African American Job Network
Asian Job Network
Disability Job Network
Latino Job Network
Retirement Job Network
LGBT Job Network
Veteran Job Network
Other
06
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
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