Tim Nordstrom, P.E., S.E.
Tacoma Power
Nominated by the Structural Engineers Association of Washington
Tim Nordstrom, P.E., S.E., Tacoma Power, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Government Engineer-of-the-Year Award in recognition of his exceptional career as a civil and structural engineer and project engineer, his dedication and exemplary leadership in overseeing the design and construction of multiple structural systems, and his commitment to public welfare.
As project manager for the Spillway Repair for the Cowlitz Barrier Dam, he was responsible for hiring a design team and a construction contractor as well as obtaining and complying with permits from numerous State and Federal agencies. He worked closely with the design team, the contractor, and the Tacoma Power staff to make the project a success. Together, they completed the spillway repair under budget and one year ahead of schedule during the COVID pandemic. The new spillway changes the river flow characteristics over the dam from a waterfall to an overflow increasing the life of the structure by several decades.
He is currently working on improving existing structural systems including emergency transmission tower replacement due to storm damage, new designs and retrofit of hydraulic gates, and condition assessment and retrofitting of large hoist ways and lifting mechanisms. At Tacoma Power, he is a key member of the engineering team that is building 3D models of concrete arch dams and their supporting rock foundations. This effort aims to better understand the behavior and vulnerabilities of these critical structures.
Tim has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Washington, Tacoma and is currently sponsoring a Senior Capstone Project. He is a long-time member of the Structural Engineers Association of Washington serving as State President, Southwest Chapter President, and Chair of the Legislative Committee.