Power System Managing Engineer (Transmission Planning)

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin, through Austin Energy, seeks a Manager of Transmission Planning to lead its transmission planning functions and possibly oversee distribution planning. This role requires managing major engineering programs to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term grid planning, with the ability to present complex topics to senior management in a concise manner.

Responsibilities include supervising engineering staff, developing standards and procedures, ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering plus eight years related engineering experience, four of which were in supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas; or ability to obtain Texas PE license within one year of employment.
• Preferred: Experience in Transmission Planning including load flow, stability, and short circuit studies.

Responsibilities

• Oversees development and maintenance of design standards and operating procedures.
• Manages and implements projects/programs to support system reliability and asset expansion.
• Ensures compliance with NERC, ERCOT, FERC and TX PUC standards; monitors budgets and forecasts resources.
• Develops staff through training plans and performance development.
• Provides technical leadership and direction for assigned teams and projects.

Skills

Transmission Planning

Leadership

Technical leadership

Stakeholder presentations

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About This Position

The Manager of Transmission Planning leads Austin Energy’s Transmission Planning functions and may oversee Distribution Planning as needed. Working with significant autonomy, this role manages major engineering programs that support system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term grid planning. Responsibilities include supervising engineering staff, developing standards and operating procedures, ensuring adherence to NERC, ERCOT, FERC, and TX PUC requirements, managing project portfolios and budgets, and driving continuous improvement in planning, design, and system performance. This position will give presentations to the senior management on complex topics, however, condensed for comprehension by non-technical staff.

Job Description: Power System Managing Engineer

Purpose: Under minimal direction and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement, this position is responsible for managing major programs and associated staff to deliver system reliability and customer satisfaction.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees the development and maintenance of design standards, assessment of new and existing products, project planning, design, field operations support, staff management and implementation of projects.
• Manages and implements projects/programs to support system reliability, expansion of assets.
• Including the development and review of engineering standards, drawing development, review and sealing, managing work assignments and forecasting resources and jobs, and maintaining compliance with all applicable City and regulatory policies and standards.
• Develops staff by assessing business and personnel needs implementing necessary training plans/programs to assure organization can meet needs.
• Provides technical leadership advice and direction for assigned division, project, or program personnel.
• Develops design criteria, develop and monitors performance criteria.
• Develops and implements standard operating procedures, policies and ordinances by applying advance technical, managerial and Quality System knowledge and applying changes to meet departmental business goals and objectives.
• Monitors projects for regulatory compliance with applicable AE, ERCOT and NERC requirements.
• Monitors projects by applying engineering principles, project forecasting and estimating techniques, and quality and effectiveness metrics.
• Analyzes, prepares and monitors Operating and Capital budget activities.
• Reviews and implements short and long-term program strategies and ensures program is aligned with Department goals and strategies.
• Monitors projects for regulatory compliance and maintains knowledge of 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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 management skills of assigned programs, projects and personnel.
• Knowledge of diversified, fundamental scientific and engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships, and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical engineering.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical and/or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.
• Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods.
• 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.
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
• Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering and technical data related to assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to direct, coach and train others.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus eight (8) years related engineering experience acquired either before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer, four (4) years or which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, the ability to obtain a Texas PE license within one (1) year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Transmission Planning, including load flow, stability, and short circuit studies.
• Demonstrated ability to produce technical reports or presentations that translate complex engineering studies into content understandable by non-technical audiences, with at least two examples provided by the applicant.
• Sufficient technical background and adaptability to learn and provide management support in Distribution Planning when as needed.
• Evidence of successful adaptation to new technologies or regulatory changes, such as leading or contributing to at least one major technology transition or compliance update in the past 3 years.
• Documented experience coaching, developing, or mentoring engineering staff, with at least 2 direct reports or mentees showing measurable skill growth or advancement.

Location: 2500 Montopolis, Austin, TX 78741

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: Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience.

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more.

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

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.

Critical Employee Position

This position requires a criminal background investigation, NERC Personal Risk Assessment and ERCOT Digital Certificate.

Assessments: Candidates selected for interview(s) will be required to complete an assessment(s) approved by Municipal Civil Service process, Rule 4.

Fair Labor Standards Act: This position is classified as EXEMPT (Salaried). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.

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 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.