Graduate Engineer A (Relay Engineering)

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

low-cost medical

dental

vision

paid leave time

a highly competitive retirement plan

career development opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking a Graduate Engineer for the Relay Engineering Team to apply engineering knowledge to protect and control the power grid. You will support design, field installations and project management from concept through execution.

Under supervision, you will gain hands-on experience with standards, cost estimates, and field tests while collaborating across Engineering, Construction and Project Management teams to deliver reliable power infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of power system protection and protective relay functions.
• Ability to read and interpret single line drawings, AC/DC schematics, and wiring schematics.
• Strong engineering calculation and analysis skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and maintenance of design drawings, diagrams, plans and permits.
• Develop proposals for impacts and perform preliminary/final designs.
• Prepare standards, equipment specifications and design procedures.
• Review safety procedures and advise on job safety.
• Coordinate technical information with clients and internal teams.
• Use drafting software to prepare drawings and maps and provide guidance.
• Develop and analyze technical reports and official documents.
• Assist in preparing estimates of quantities, materials, labor and costs.
• Conduct field inspections to ensure plans are followed.

Skills

Power system protection

Reading schematics

Protective relays

Engineering calculations

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About This Position At Austin Energy, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise to projects that directly impact the reliability and safety of the city’s power grid. You’ll work with a collaborative team, tackle complex technical challenges, and contribute to building a smarter, more resilient energy future for one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Step into a key engineering role with Austin Energy’s Relay Engineering Team, where you’ll apply your expertise in electric utility design, protection, and control systems to keep our power grid safe and reliable. In this position, you’ll prepare detailed construction drawing packages, troubleshoot and support microprocessor relay installations in the field. Your day-to-day will involve close collaboration with colleagues across Engineering, Construction, and Project Management, giving you the opportunity to see projects through from design to execution. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy blending technical design with hands‑on problem solving—and who want their work to make a direct impact on powering the City of Austin.

Job Description

Graduate Engineer

A Purpose

Under direct supervision of a Professional Engineer, use engineering knowledge to perform routine engineering projects/assignments requiring limited judgment within the defined methods, procedures, and practices for the application of standards and criteria necessary to fulfill the experience requirement for pursuant of a licensure as a professional engineer.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and maintenance of design drawings, diagrams, charts, databases plans and permits under the supervision of a professional engineer.
• Development of proposals for impacts and performing preliminary and final designs and/or prepares design criteria for assigned projects.
• Assists in the preparation of standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, test procedures as it relates to the standardization and engineering policies and practices.
• Reviews and provides assistance in the evaluation and recommendation for job safety procedures.
• Coordinates and provides a variety of technical information under the guidance of a professional engineer to customers by contacts with personnel to include inter and intra departmental administrative, engineering and construction personnel, other government agencies, contractors, consultants and the public to exchange information, coordinate work, answer questions and respond to complaints.
• Use computerized software programs, ink or pencil drafting to prepare drawings and maps to provide technical advice and guidance to assigned work or project.
• Develop, analyze and generate technical reports, correspondence and official documents.
• Assist in the preparation of preliminary, periodic and final estimates of quantities, materials, equipment, labor and facilities for the preparation of budgets, programs, schedules, partial and final contract payments and other purposes for various projects.
• Conduct field inspections of work done by contractors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Draft and recommend contract change orders and payments for approval.
• Perform statistical analysis to ensure specifications are within established guidelines.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of engineering and design principles applicable to fields.
• Knowledge of mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
• Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline.
• Knowledge of leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods.
• Knowledge of various computer software programs applicable to position.
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates.
• Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and analyze engineering problems.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple specifications, plans, and shop drawings.
• Ability to interpret and make decisions in conformance within established policies and practices.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in written formats to coworkers and public.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering or in a field related to the job.

Licenses and Certifications Required

None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience with power system protection.
• Knowledge of and experience interpreting single line drawings, AC/DC schematics, and wiring schematics.
• Knowledge of protective relay functions.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties.

Compensation Range

$75,950.00-$95,700.00

Benefits

• low-cost medical
• dental
• vision
• paid leave time
• a highly competitive retirement plan
• career development opportunities

Work Location

4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723

Days and Hours

Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 40 Hour Work Week (Hybrid Available)

Employment Application

Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Must provide proof of valid work authorization at time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment.
• Must provide professional reference/employment verification information.
• Must provide a criminal background investigation and NERC Personal Risk Assessment.

If you are selected as a top candidate

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required.
• You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
• Must provide professional reference/employment verification information.
• This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC Personal Risk Assessment.
• Must provide proof of valid work authorization at time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment.

Fair Labor Standards Act

This position is classified as EXEMPT (Salaried). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Critical Employee

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.