Power System Principal Engineer (Distribution Planning) - Austin Energy

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a senior engineer to lead advanced distribution planning and long‑range grid analyses. You will oversee cable ampacity, hosting capacity, load flow, and DER impact studies, ensuring reliable and cost‑effective infrastructure.

Collaboration across engineering, operations, construction, and land use teams is essential, with strong communication and leadership skills to drive feasible, compliant solutions for a growing city grid.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Eight years of engineering experience and professional licensure is required.
• Experience with electric utility planning or distribution systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops technical specifications, standards, and engineering studies.
• Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies.
• Reviews contracts, budgets, schedules, and progress to ensure compliance.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

8 years engineering experience

Tools

CYME

DER interconnection tools

Job description

About This Position

This position serves within the Distribution Planning group and is responsible for leading advanced power system analyses to support long‑range planning of the Austin Energy electric distribution grid. The role encompasses execution and technical oversight of studies such as cable ampacity assessments, power factor correction, dual feed evaluations, load flow analyses, hosting capacity assessments, and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) impact studies. Results from these analyses inform cost effective, technically sound infrastructure recommendations that ensure the distribution system remains reliable, safe, and capable of meeting evolving customer and system demands. The engineer will collaborate extensively with engineering, operations, construction, and land use teams to ensure that proposed solutions are feasible, coordinated, and aligned with Austin Energy’s planning and operational objectives.

Job Description

Purpose: Under general direction, provides professional technical and specialized engineering expertise to assure delivery of services to customers, advancement of new technologies and processes, and/or development and maintenance of technical utility standards.

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.

• Develops technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering discipline, including the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used.
• Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects and/or program areas by applying advance technical knowledge of engineering discipline.
• Manages and negotiates contracts by reviewing monthly progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling requisite documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
• Acts as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators or suppliers and City.
• Negotiates problems of changes, errors or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.
• Manages and monitors engineering projects for compliance.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts and other related documents.
• Develops and monitors project budgets and assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term city planning.
• Monitor 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.

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 design principles applicable to electric utility operations such as, generation, transmission, distribution and other related fields. Knowledge of utility standards and regulatory requirements, 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) compliance requirements. 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. Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the Local, State and Federal ordinances and laws. Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures. Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports. Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution. Ability to perform more complex engineering calculations and to analyze engineering problems.

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, eight (8) years of experience in engineering, acquired either before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer.

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 performing advanced distribution planning studies, including DER interconnection evaluations, hosting capacity assessments, large load interconnections, and load flow analysis.
• Proficiency with industry standard distribution modeling tools such as CYME or equivalent platforms, along with strong understanding of utility planning standards.
• Experience developing long range capacity plans and technical recommendations for utility capital projects, with emphasis on reliability, resiliency, load growth, and grid modernization initiatives.
• Experience providing technical leadership to engineering staff, mentoring, and reviewing complex analyses.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including engineering, operations, design, construction, and land‑use planning groups to ensure coordinated and feasible project outcomes.
• Strong communication and technical skills, with the ability to convey complex analyses clearly and prepare technical reports, planning studies, and stakeholder facing presentations for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $118,900.00-$152,200.00.

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)

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.

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.