Power System Managing Engineer (Transmission Planning) - Austin Energy

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Retirement plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Manager of Transmission Planning to lead Austin Energy’s Transmission Planning functions and potentially oversee Distribution Planning. The role demands autonomous leadership of major engineering programs ensuring system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long‑term grid planning.

Responsibilities include supervising engineering staff, developing standards, budgets, and procedures, and presenting complex topics to senior management in an accessible way.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required with extensive related engineering experience.
• PE license in Texas or eligible with ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Strong leadership, staff development and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and maintenance of design standards and project planning.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with NERC, ERCOT, FERC, TX PUC requirements.
• Manage budgets and portfolios; lead staff and supervise engineers.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Engineering judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas

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.

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

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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 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.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $138,700.00-$177,500.00

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)

Health and Welfare Benefits

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.

Employment Application

NOTE: This posting is closed for internal applicants only.

Important Note to Applicants

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Employment Requirements

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

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.

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.

Contact Information

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974‑3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1.