This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in RAS Engineering (TENR), Systems Engineering (TEN), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission Services (T). As a Transmission Electrical Engineer, you will participate in a unique engineering rotation program, gaining diverse experience. You'll design, analyze, and upgrade high-voltage systems while supporting control centers to keep our clean energy running safely and reliably.
Powering the Pacific Northwest: Shape the Future of Clean Energy Transmission as a Transmission Electrical Engineer The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest, delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable hydroelectric and wind energy across a vast, high-voltage transmission grid. To keep this vital infrastructure running safely and efficiently, we are seeking forward-thinking innovators.
As a Transmission Electrical Engineer, you will not be locked into a single track. Instead, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in our professional engineering rotation program-gaining hands-on experience across multiple specialized departments while directly contributing to the modernization, safety, and reliability of one of the nation's largest utility networks.
Whether you are optimizing system performance, simulating grid behaviors, or safeguarding critical digital assets, your work will directly impact millions of homes and businesses. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to complex, real-world challenges and expand your career horizons, this role is your gateway to grid-level impact.
Here are the six most dynamic and high-impact duties of this position, optimized to challenge and inspire highly qualified engineering professionals: Accelerate Your Expertise Through a Multi-Disciplinary Rotation ProgramBroaden your technical horizons by rotating through at least three distinct engineering specialties within BPA.
This structured program allows you to collaborate with diverse teams of specialists, expand your understanding of the entire high-voltage transmission system, and choose the career path that best fits your strengths and ambitions. Plan and Optimize the High-Voltage Grid of TomorrowConduct critical planning studies and feasibility analyses to shape the future of our transmission infrastructure.
You will evaluate the necessity of new generation facilities, perform complex electrical calculations, determine optimal grid operating limits, and recommend the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly design approaches for high-voltage energy delivery. Model and Simulate Grid Resilience in Real TimeUtilize state-of-the-art software to digitally simulate the regional power grid under various operational stress levels.
By analyzing thermal behavior, voltage limits, and grid stability during sudden system events, you will develop the technical procedures and operating limits necessary to prevent outages and guarantee uninterrupted power. Harden and Engineer Mission-Critical Control SystemsProvide vital engineering support to our 24/7 system control centers.
You will design, implement, and maintain high-availability hardware and software networks, manage automated grid control systems, and apply robust cybersecurity measures-including intrusion detection and system security patching-to defend critical physical infrastructure from digital vulnerabilities. Lead Complex System Designs, Testing, and IntegrationsDirect the design, modification, and field integration of high- and low-voltage power distribution equipment.
You will apply sound engineering judgment to resolve technical hurdles such as equipment footprint constraints and thermal management, while personally witnessing performance tests and making on-the-spot adjustments to validate equipment safety. Act as a Technical Consultant and Representative for Regional InitiativesServe as a technical advisor to internal colleagues, equipment manufacturers, and contractors.
You will represent BPA at industry conferences, coordinate multi-agency projects with federal, state, and local partners, and help align our engineering standards with regional safety and regulatory guidelines.
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".
manobles@bpa.gov · 503-230-4634
This position is with Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy.
The posted pay range is $87887 – $125478/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-03.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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