Electrical Engineer

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.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment. After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards. This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.