Advanced Technology Program Manager (Distributed Energy Resources)

City of Austin

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

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 – anchors in delivering 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. Austin Energy seeks a Program Manager to lead the implementation and integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Energy Storage Systems across its service territory. This role is responsible for developing policies, processes, and strategies for DER interconnection while managing a team of engineers and analysts. The Program Manager oversees the full DER interconnection lifecycle, from application through commissioning, conducts engineering analysis and load flow modeling for large-scale DER systems and maintains the Distribution Interconnection Guide. Additionally, the position analyzes grid data to inform DER placement, drives integration strategies to ensure compliance with utility objectives, and coordinates with engineering, design, operations, and metering teams to achieve seamless design, integration, and management of DERs on the distribution grid. This position reports to the Managing Engineer for Operations Engineering and plays a key role in advancing Austin Energy’s distributed energy initiatives. Under general direction, manage and technically lead specific Smart Grid, Grid Modernization, and other Austin Energy advanced program(s).

Requirements

Knowledge of electric utility operations: generation, transmission, distribution, or other related fields
Knowledge of advanced analytical, mathematical, or programming techniques
Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation
Knowledge of applicable processes, engineering principles, data analysis, and application design
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
Skill in leading and directing personnel in a project and program capacity
Skill in determining needs and gathering, analyzing and presenting data to provide accurate information for management's use
Skill in oral and written business and technical communication including preparation of written reports
Skill in handling and prioritizing multiple tasks and planning and organizing a program
Skill in using computers and related software applications
Skill in data analysis and problem solving
Skill in negotiations, program monitoring, and conflict resolution
Skill in conducting presentations on behalf of a public entity
Skill in projecting needs for equipment and personnel and formulating operating budgets
Ability to perform complex analysis, calculations, and problem solving
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities
Ability to direct the timely production of project proposals and agreements
Ability to prepare and evaluate business cases
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business or Engineering related to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in a related field, two (2) years of which were in a program or project management capacity.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of distribution system planning, load flow modeling, and interconnection standards.
Experience with DER technologies, energy storage systems, and grid modernization initiatives.
Experience managing technical teams and cross-functional projects.
Experience presenting technical Engineering and DER related concepts in front of technical and non-technical audiences
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry best practices for DER interconnection.
Ability to develop and implement policies, workflows, and technical guidelines.
Excellent communication and leadership skills to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

Leads planning activities to develop short- and long-term strategic plans, roadmaps, and objectives for advanced technologies and programs.
Creates and manages operational budgets for short and long term technology projects and contracts.
Leads cross functional teams to achieve technology initiatives.
Manages existing and future contracts with vendors.
Leads market research activities to identify market trends in technologies and programs.
Produces periodic metrics to measure and improve: systems, projects, vendors, and service provider performance.
Manages assigned matrix resources.
Leverages functionality to identify operational efficiencies to improve customer satisfaction and reduce operational costs.
Produces business cases, including cost versus benefit analysis and Request for Proposal (RFP’s) to support related technologies and initiatives and programs.
Facilitates and leads periodic executive round table and steering committees on related technologies and programs.
Facilitates internal communication, education, and training to staff, and internal and external stakeholders on technologies and programs.
May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.