Power System Principal Engineer - Electrical

City of Austin; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Benefits

Retirement Security

Wellness Programs

Career Growth

Modern Workspaces

Job summary

City of Austin seeks a senior electrical engineer to provide expert technical support for power production and district cooling assets. You will lead field engineering, oversee capital projects, and ensure compliance with NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and TX PUC standards.

Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and drafting teams is essential. The role requires a Texas PE or eligibility within one year, and the ability to travel to multiple sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Eight (8) years of engineering experience, with licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or eligibility to obtain Texas PE within one year.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes, practices, and regulatory requirements (NERC, FERC, ERCOT, TX PUC).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops technical specifications and standards for electric utility operations.
• Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects.
• Manages contracts, reviews progress, and audits as-built records.
• Interacts with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Monitors project budgets and supports long-term planning.

Skills

Electrical design

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Negotiation

Written communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ETAP

SKM

Job description

About This Position

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.

Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

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

• Working knowledge of Industrial Codes, Standards, and Best Practices; NERC, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA.
• Experience in specification, procurement, and installation of low and medium voltage switchgear (4160V, 2400V and 480V).
• Experience in testing and maintaining low and medium voltage equipment.
• Experience with motor relay protection design and settings.
• Experience with modeling software; ETAP, SKM.
• Experience with controls and interlocks.
• Experienced Project team leader and/or project management.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations for regular work duties.

Notes to Candidate

This position serves as an electrical engineering subject matter expert in supporting Power Production's power generating and district cooling assets. Duties include: Provide expert field engineering support to plant operations and plant maintenance of 4160V and 480V equipment. Oversee construction and installation, bid spec development and bid reviews. Lead electrical engineering efforts on capital improvement projects. Seal work under jurisdiction and complete work in a timely manner. Specify electrical equipment including; motors, switchgear, MCC, distribution panels ,cables, protection relays, etc. Work with the drafting department for drawing development and drawing updates. Direct plant electrical technicians and present solutions to plant management that are economical, concise, logical and easy to implement. Provide credible recommendations to plant management that give decisive and focused solutions to; plant malfunctions, plant safety, and ongoing improvements to plant operations.

Critical Employee Information

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.

Location and Hours

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

Fair Labor Standards Act

This position is classified FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and are not eligible for overtime compensation.

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.

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.

Company Culture and Benefits

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

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.

Disability Accommodation

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.