Applications/Systems Engineer, Senior

Job Description:

Applications/Systems Engineer, Senior

Description

Position Description

This position is responsible for the development and maintenance of the departmental computing and functional systems capability for the Resource Operations & Trading Group, which is a mission critical 24/7 operation. The Resource Operations and Trading Group optimizes Tacoma Power's resource portfolio through efficient, reliable dispatch of generation resources to maximize wholesale energy sales revenue. The wholesale energy trading activities directly impact Tacoma Power's ability to maintain low and stable rates to our customers.

This position develops new software tools, helps troubleshoot production issues, implements defect fixes, and adds new features. The individual within this role may also be called upon to assist in software project quality assurance, business analyst activities and/or other support tasks. As one of the developers on the team, this position is responsible for the systems as used by the business users within Power Management. They help troubleshoot production issues, implements defect fixes, and adds new features. This position is extremely customer focused, relies on experience and industry best practices for support and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. This role reports to the Power Management Systems Engineering Lead.

The Power Management Systems Engineering workgroup is a small team that develops custom software, integrates vendor solutions and supports the technical systems implemented for the power management operations at Tacoma Power. This is a busy workgroup that is often taking on specific technical industry challenges to solve the fast-paced problems emerging in the new energy markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain software and system solutions for data collection, processing, and reporting, ensuring compliance with NERC and CIP requirements.
• Provide production support for internal systems and third-party platforms, ensuring reliability and resolving user issues promptly.
• Integrate third-party solutions into existing system architecture and software platforms.
• Implement and maintain data warehousing and reporting solutions to support Resource Operations & Trading activities.
• Facilitate secure and effective data sharing with utilities, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Research, analyze, and prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation to support system development and operations.
• Continuously evaluate and adopt emerging technologies to enhance applications, tools, and processes.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience*
4 years of software development, software architecture and database/data warehouse experience

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

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

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• SQL Server & SQL Server Reporting Services
• Data Warehousing / SQL Server Analysis Services
• ETL, Dataflows, Service Oriented Architecture Software Development & Support
• REST, WCF, SOAP, XML, gRPC
• Scheduler Based Integration Platforms
• Azure DevOps, Octopus, Git & other Source Control tools
• CI/CD Pipeline architecture & deployment
• .Net Framework / C#, .NET Core, Blazor, Entity Framework, ORM Tools
• GoLang, HTML, Javascript, JSON
• Nuget Package management
• EIM & ETRM systems & software (OATI & PCI)
• Stored procedures
• Software Architecture
• Infrastructure, Windows Server Maintenance, Certificate Management, VMWare

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Perform code reviews and provide constructive feedback and coaching to other developers to develop their skillsets.
• Research, document, and apply new technologies
• Multitask and prioritize multiple complex workplace projects.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers and peers in the electric industry.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt and effective course of action.
• Integrate information from various sources and develop solutions that effectively satisfy competing objectives.
• Plan and organize work.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Build a strong sense of teamwork and purpose within work groups.
• Clearly communicate, orally and in writing, complex or contentious issues.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships across Tacoma Power.
• Independently coordinate and facilitate discussions between work groups to resolve technical problems requiring diverse knowledge areas.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $53.02 - $74.64

Annual Salary: $110,281.60 - $155,251.20

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Application Process
This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes how your background, experience, and training align with this position. Applications without the required materials may not be considered.

Application Deadline
Submit your application by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve more than 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.

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We’re committed to eliminating racial and other disparities and actively seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

We believe diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our innovation and collective success. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission-even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications-we encourage you to apply. We value transferrable skills and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Assistance
For questions about the job announcement or application process, contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the job closing date.
For technical support with the NEOGOV system, call 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Important Communication Notice
The City of Tacoma primarily communicates via email. Please ensure emails from @tacoma.gov and @governmentjobs.com are added to your safe senders list. Check your junk/spam folders to avoid missing updates.

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 age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 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.

Closing Date/Time: 9/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$110,281.60 - $155,251.20 Annually