Electrical engineer Jobs in Renton, WA

Position Description

The Electrical Engineer I is responsible for the electrical design and development of distribution transformers in accordance with IEEE, CSA, and customer specifications. This role requires a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles as applied to transformer applications. Responsibilities include preparing, validating, and reviewing detailed designs, calculations, and technical documentation that comply with industry standards and manufacturing requirements.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Design and Development
• Develop and verify transformer electrical configurations, including high- and low-voltage winding arrangements (delta, wye, series/parallel), impedance, and insulation coordination for voltage classes up to 35 kV.

• Perform and validate engineering calculations related to core and load losses, impedance and voltage regulation, flux and current density, dielectric withstand, and BIL requirements.

• Define and specify major electrical components such as tap changers, dual-voltage switches, bushings, arrestors, fusing, terminal arrangements, and accessory devices (PRDs, gauges, etc.).

• Prepare and review technical design documents, including connection diagrams, nameplate data, tap-changer/switch wiring details, and electrical bills of materials.

Standards and Compliance

• Interpret and apply relevant industry standards (IEEE, CSA, DOE) to ensure all designs meet compliance requirements.

• Participate in design reviews and support root-cause analysis for production or design issues.

• Contribute to standardization initiatives, design tools, templates, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Stay current with updates to industry standards and participate in technical or compliance-related events as needed.

• Support certification and testing requirements, including losses, dielectric, short-circuit, and impulse testing.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with mechanical engineering to ensure proper integration of bushing locations, clearances, and component layout.

• Partner with manufacturing, testing, and quality teams to resolve non-conformances, implement engineering changes, and validate design improvements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.

Experience

• 5+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment involving electrical distribution equipment, preferably transformers.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools (CAD, FEA, simulation software) and productivity/ERP systems.

• Strong understanding of distribution transformer design, manufacturing processes, and applicable industry standards (ANSI, IEEE, IEC, CSA).

• Knowledge of electrical wiring practices and transformer operating principles (familiarity with sheet-metal and tank fabrication is a plus).

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; basic project management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work independently while responding effectively to guidance and supervision.