Structural Engineer – Transmission & Substation Systems

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Title: Structural Engineer – Transmission & Substation Systems

Location Vancouver, WA

Position Overview

The Structural Engineer is responsible for performing structural analysis, design, evaluation, and maintenance support for transmission, substation, telecommunications, and building structures within a public utility environment. This role requires applying established engineering principles to both new and existing infrastructure, ensuring safety, compliance, and system reliability.

All official drafts, documents, and recommendations must be reviewed, finalized, and approved by the appropriate BPA manager or authorized federal personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Substation Structural Design & Analysis
  
  

Perform structural design and analysis of substation structures and foundations.

Structures include towers, poles, frames, trusses, pedestals, racks, and related systems using steel, concrete, wood, and aluminum.

Evaluate existing structures for:

Increased loading conditions

Modified design criteria

Provide analysis results to support decisions to:

Reuse existing structures

Modify existing structures

Replace structures

Develop:

Installation drawings

Design criteria drawings

Minor structural detailing

• Transmission Line Structure Design
  
  

Design and analyze transmission line support structures, including:

Lattice steel/aluminum towers

Steel pole structures

Wood pole structures

Concrete structures

Conduct structural adequacy assessments for existing assets.

Produce:

Installation drawings

Design criteria documents

Structural detailing

Design and review fall protection systems for transmission structures.

• Telecommunications Structures
  
  

Perform analysis and design for communication infrastructure, primarily microwave systems.

Structure types include:

Lattice towers

Poles

Mounting hardware

Waveguide and ice bridges

Responsibilities include:

Structural adequacy evaluations

Retrofit and modification designs

Development of structural design criteria for vendors

Fall protection system design and review

• Building Structural Engineering
  
  

Analyze and design utility-related buildings, including:

Steel, concrete, masonry, wood, and brick structures

Perform:

Structural and seismic evaluations

Retrofit and strengthening designs

Anchorage design for equipment and nonstructural components

Develop:

Structural calculations and reports

Installation and detailing drawings

Design fall protection anchorage systems.

• Maintenance & Asset Management Support
  
  

Support structural inspection and maintenance programs, including:

Structural adequacy assessments

Retrofit and rehabilitation designs

Replacement designs for aging or damaged infrastructure

Address damage scenarios such as:

Vehicle or animal impacts

Environmental loads (snow, landslides, etc.)

Assist with material procurement for repairs and replacements

Conduct quality assurance visits to fabrication facilities and provide recommendations

• Research, Development & Innovation Support
  
  

Assist federal engineers in Technology Innovation (TI) and R&D initiatives:

Structural testing and evaluation

Collaboration with vendors and research personnel

Report writing and presentations

Field visits and industry coordination

Funding justification documentation

• Documentation & Compliance
  
  

Maintain engineering records in compliance with:

Information Security (INFOSEC)

Information Governance & Lifecycle Management (IGLM)

Ensure proper documentation control, storage, and distribution

Support audit readiness through accurate recordkeeping

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field

Minimum 5 Years Of Practical Structural Engineering Experience

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and methodologies

Experience with:

Public utilities

Power plants

Transmission systems

Proficiency in:

International Building Code (IBC)

ASCE 7

Technical Skills

Experience with structural analysis software:

SAP2000

RISA

Familiarity with modern structural analysis techniques

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Core Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Critical thinking and decision-making ability

Effective time management and task prioritization

Ability to evaluate multiple engineering solutions

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

Bentley MicroStation or similar CAD software

Power Line Systems software suite

Knowledge of:

Transmission system infrastructure

ASCE 41 (Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings)

Additional Requirements

Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Ability to travel for field visits, inspections, and meetings as needed