Power System Engineer - Project Management

City of Austin; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin seeks an experienced Electrical Engineering professional to design and lead electric utility projects, including generation, transmission, distribution, substations and SCADA/EMS. You will produce drawings, conduct power system studies, and ensure compliance with NERC/FERC/ERCOT/TX PUC standards.

Hybrid work options are available; the role emphasizes collaboration with field teams and cross-departmental coordination on capital projects for Austin Energy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with five years of related experience.
• Knowledge of engineering design principles for electric utility systems.
• Ability to perform complex engineering calculations and analyses.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (NERC/FERC/ERCOT/TX PUC).
• Experience in preparing design documents and reports.

Responsibilities

• Prepares standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, test procedures.
• Performs power system studies: protective relay coordination, fault studies, load flows, power quality.
• Prepares engineering design drawings for generation, transmission, distribution, subsystems, SCADA/EMS.
• Develops circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, databases, and plans for electrical facilities.
• Provides technical and financial inputs for capital projects and budgeting.
• Investigates engineering problems and drafts reports with presentations.
• Ensures safety procedures for electric facilities
• Supports regulatory compliance with NERC/ FERC/ ERCOT/ TX PUC standards
• Collaborates with field personnel to support energization of projects

Skills

Engineering design principles

Power system studies

Regulatory knowledge

Engineering calculations

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SCADA/EMS

Job description

About This Position

Under minimal supervision designs, and assists in the design of electric utility system facilities, including: generation, electric substations, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, network systems, protection systems, supervisory control systems (SCADA), market operation and settlement systems, street lighting, and other electric system facilities. This position exists only in the Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department of Austin Energy.

Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Prepares standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, test procedures
• Performs power system studies such as protective relay coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, power quality, voltage stability, power system market operations and settlement studies, etc
• Prepares engineering design and develops drawings and other documents for generation, transmission, distribution, substations and SCADA/EMS
• Prepares circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, data bases, and plans for different electrical facilities
• Provide assistance to all classes of customers, developers, and to other City Departments on technical matters relevant to electric utility services
• Provide technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility planning and budget process
• Investigate and analyze engineering design problems; develop appropriate solutions; draft reports and make presentations
• Prepares safety procedures for electric facilities
• Assist in efforts to keep up with the latest developments in the utility industry, to meet North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Texas Public Utility Commission (TX PUC) standards and regulatory requirements
• Work closely with field personnel to support project energization

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations such as, generation, transmission, distribution, market operations and other related fields
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the design, construction, and operation of the electric utility systems
• Knowledge of established engineering principles and methods
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports
• Ability to perform more complex engineering calculations and to analyze engineering problems
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the local and state ordinances and laws
• Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports
• Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution
• Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus five (5) years of experience related to engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Mgmt PMP Certification or Certified Associate in Project Management or ability to obtain within six (6) months
• Experience managing the design and construction of multi-million-dollar utility projects
• Experience with power generation and/or industrial site projects
• Experience with city of Austin project management processes and systems
• Experience leading large diverse teams including project staff, engineers, and outside consultants

Notes to Candidate

This position serves as an engineering project management subject matter expert in the Project Management team supporting Power Production. The Project Management team is responsible for managing and coordinating the Capital Improvement Project portfolio for Austin Energy's power generating and district cooling facilities. This position will be responsible for managing multiple engineering projects to support the power production business unit.

Critical: 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 alternative 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.

Location

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) Additional work hours may be required to support the 24-hour Utility operations, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather and emergency closures.

Salary

Salary: Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience and approved City of Austin Pay Scales/Rates.

Travel

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.

Job Highlights: Why Join Us

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.

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

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.

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