Consulting Engineer (Planning & Project Development - MEP)

City of Austin

14d • 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’s Corporate Support Services Division, within the Planning and Project Development Section, is seeking a full‑time Consulting Engineer to lead a diverse portfolio of vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as space reconfiguration initiatives that support Austin Energy’s mission‑critical operations. This role is responsible for managing projects from concept through close‑out, working closely with engineers, architects, and other partners to define project specifications and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. The Consulting Engineer will coordinate with the Capital Contracting Office and City of Austin Purchasing to negotiate and execute contracts, and will facilitate the acquisition of permits and licenses from all applicable regulatory authorities. The position requires determining resource needs—including staffing, equipment, and materials—while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints. Responsibilities include planning all construction activities, sequencing work to meet key deadlines, acquiring and monitoring equipment and materials, and ensuring timely resolution of any supply or performance issues. The engineer will oversee consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with contract terms and technical requirements, while evaluating construction progress, preparing detailed project reports, and maintaining adherence to all health and safety standards. In addition to construction oversight, the role includes space planning, interior renovations, and furniture procurement, as well as the development of preliminary project plans, contract documents, permitting packages, construction administration materials, and post‑construction deliverables. The engineer will prepare scoping documents, contract exhibits, and other materials needed to convey design intent for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related building systems. Operating under limited supervision, the successful candidate will apply extensive knowledge of the City of Austin Building Technical Codes, the International Building Code, and the Land Development Code to interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with design standards for Austin Energy projects. The position will also support inquiries from the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager’s Office, and various agencies regarding Austin Energy facilities, and will represent the utility at public meetings involving neighborhood groups, community stakeholders, boards, commissions, and other regional or local entities. This role requires frequent travel to multiple sites for project assessments, stakeholder meetings, field condition evaluations, and contractor or vendor coordination. Physical activities such as walking, lifting, and bending with or without accommodations are necessary to successfully perform the duties of this position.

Requirements

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to engineering, plus eight (8) years of engineering experience acquired before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, must have the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six (6) months of employment.
• Knowledge of diversified, fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical civil engineering problems.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
• Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical 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 and solutions.
• Knowledge of phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within 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.
• Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Ability to use graphic instructions such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced professional experience appropriate to the role’s technical and managerial responsibilities.
• Licensed Engineer specializing in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP).
• Ability to sign MEP drawings for permitting and regulatory approval of projects.
• LEEP AP w/ specialty and/or WELL AP credential.
• Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) or Certified associate in project management (PMI-CAPM), or ability to obtain one of these or other acceptable designation within six (6) months of employment.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCad, Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, etc.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage and monitor multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Previous experience in interior design and renovation projects.
• Previous experience with building & site planning, schematic design, design development, contract documents (drawings & specifications), construction administration, and post-construction services.

Responsibilities

• Develops or oversees development of technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of discipline engineering including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts, and other related documents.
• Manages and coordinates programs or projects by reviewing and monitoring projects or programs, including the review of plans and development proposals for impacts related to project or program.
• Plans, research, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects or program areas by applying advanced 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 the City.
• Negotiates problems of changes, errors, or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.
• Interacts with internal and external customers to ensure requirements and needs are satisfied.
• Reviews plans and provides recommendation changes, solutions, or implementation.
• Monitors projects for regulatory compliance by providing consultation and determinations in matters involving application and interpretation of regulations and policies.
• Manages or leads teams of technical personnel including assigning and monitoring tasks.
• Provides advanced technical training to staff and field personnel by reviewing business needs, evaluating personnel, creating and applying training documentation, and presenting and analyzing training.
• Develops and monitors budget of projects.
• Assists in developing, managing, and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term City planning.
• Provides a high level of engineering and technical advice and direction.
• Possesses ability to troubleshoot advanced technical problems.
• Possesses ability to perform advanced engineering design.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees