This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Diagnostics, Metrology and Laboratories (TEZT) organization of Technical Services (TEZ), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission (T), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). A successful candidate in the Electrical Engineer position will serve as a lead engineer on quality assurance, failure analysis and safety related testing of the high voltage and high current equipment.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) plays an essential role in the Pacific Northwest, delivering reliable, carbon-free hydroelectric power to millions of homes and businesses while keeping energy rates affordable and championing environmental stewardship. At the heart of this critical mission is BPA's 24/7 trading floor, where energy is scheduled, balanced, and delivered in real time across an interconnected regional grid.
As an Electrical Engineer (Technical Lead), you will serve as the technical authority and operational backbone for high-voltage testing and transmission system reliability.
Bridging the gap between complex electrical engineering principles, specialized laboratory diagnostics, and real-world field operations, you will guide technical standards, lead craftsmen and research teams through critical testing and commissioning, and ensure the Pacific Northwest's power grid equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Key Responsibilities & High-Impact Duties High-Voltage & Diagnostic Testing: Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) conducting quality assurance, acceptance, failure analysis, and safety-related testing on high-voltage and high-current power system equipment in accordance with national and international standards.
Laboratory Team Leadership & Execution: Direct and coordinate laboratory and field personnel-including apprentices, journeymen, and craftsmen-through test setup, execution, tear-down, facility commissioning, and operational training.
Research, Development & Applied Studies: Lead testing and research initiatives to advance transmission equipment performance, evaluate new materials/equipment for the grid, and collaborate with external scientific, university, and industry research partners.
Test Plan Design & Method Development: Develop, document, and execute formal test plans, instrumentation setups, and analytical methodologies to address complex electrical engineering objectives defined with key stakeholders. Technical Reporting & Stakeholder Communication: Prepare comprehensive engineering reports detailing test results and study findings, communicating critical data to internal technical groups, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Asset, Software & Safety Management: Manage testing software, databases (such as power factor QA), and test equipment maintenance and replacement recommendations, while providing emergency technical response and safety investigation support as required.
This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".
This position is with Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy.
The posted pay range is $130328 – $157607/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-06.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-28 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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