Civil Engineer 2 Structural
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 manager or authorized federal personnel. Key Responsibilities 1. 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 2. 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. 3. Telecommunications Structures Perform analysis and design for communication infrastructure, primarily microwave systems. Structure types include: Lattice towers Poles Mounting hardware Waveguide and ice bridges 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. Responsibilities include: Structural adequacy evaluations Retrofit and modification designs Development of structural design criteria for vendors Fall protection system design and review 4. 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. 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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