Consulting Engineer (Planning & Project Development) - Austin Energy

City of Austin•Austin, TX

7d•$118,900 - $152,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Energy's Corporate Support Services Division, Planning and Project Development Section, is seeking a Consulting Engineer to manage a diverse portfolio of vertical and horizontal construction projects, facility improvements, and space reconfigurations supporting mission-critical utility operations. Under nominal direction, the position interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates assignments, and plans and develops engineering projects involving unique or controversial problems with significant effects on major City programs or projects. The Consulting Engineer serves as a technical expert and directs projects through planning, design, budgeting, procurement, contract administration, permitting, construction oversight, and post-construction services. The position applies engineering expertise and knowledge of City of Austin Building Technical Codes, International Building Codes, and Land Development Code requirements to guide project development and ensure regulatory compliance. It develops scopes, technical specifications, contract documents, and design exhibits; oversees multidisciplinary design and construction activities; manages space planning and interior renovation projects; and represents Austin Energy before City leadership, community stakeholders, boards, commissions, and public agencies. The role works with engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements. Site visits and field assessments at multiple Austin Energy facilities and project locations are part of the work. The role provides advanced engineering and technical advice, performs advanced design and troubleshooting, manages project budgets and contracts, and may lead and train technical personnel. The schedule is flexible, with mandatory attendance in the office 40% of the time; additional time depends on business needs. This is a Critical Employee position, and schedules or assignments may change during extraordinary situations or emergencies to support essential services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to engineering.
Eight years of engineering experience acquired before and/or after professional engineer licensing.
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, or currently licensed in another state with the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six months of employment.
Knowledge of fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts and their application to theoretical or practical engineering problems.
Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques, including trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques in the assigned engineering discipline.
Knowledge of terminology and techniques in one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering.
Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.
Knowledge of engineering principles and methods, plans review and inspection processes, cost estimates, engineering and feasibility reports, and applicable local and state laws and regulations.
Oral and written technical and general communication skills, including preparation of written reports.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to perform complex engineering computations accurately and rapidly.
Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with operating or safety standards.
Ability to use blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, and other visual aids.
Ability to conduct site visits and field assessments at multiple facilities and project locations.
Ability to explain and demonstrate performance of the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Advanced professional experience appropriate to the role’s technical and managerial responsibilities.
Professional engineering specialization in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Engineering.
Ability to design, draw in 2D and/or 3D, and sign drawings and specifications for permitting Austin Energy projects.
LEED AP with specialty and/or WELL AP credential.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Certified Associate in Project Management (PMI-CAPM), or ability to obtain one of these or another acceptable designation within six months of employment.
Strong proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, or similar tools.
Recent active experience designing, drafting/modeling, and permitting construction drawings and specifications using AutoCAD and/or Revit.
Excellent organizational skills to manage and monitor multiple assignments simultaneously.
Recent experience with horizontal and/or vertical new construction, interior design, and renovation projects.
Recent experience with building and site planning, schematic design, design development, contract documents, construction administration, and post-construction services.

Responsibilities

Develop or oversee technical specifications and standards using engineering principles and knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and techniques.
Review, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and related documents.
Manage and coordinate programs and projects, including monitoring progress and reviewing plans and development proposals for impacts.
Plan, research, design, and implement engineering studies and projects using advanced technical knowledge.
Manage and negotiate contracts by reviewing progress reports, verifying quantities and costs, compiling documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
Act as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, and the City; resolve changes, errors, and deficiencies and ensure project compliance.
Interact with internal and external customers to ensure their requirements and needs are met.
Review plans and recommend changes, solutions, or implementation approaches.
Monitor projects for regulatory compliance and provide consultation on the application and interpretation of regulations and policies.
Manage or lead technical personnel by assigning and monitoring tasks, providing guidance, evaluating personnel, and delivering technical training.
Develop and monitor project budgets and assist with short- and long-term City budget forecasting and submissions.
Provide advanced engineering and technical advice, direction, troubleshooting, and engineering design.
Manage projects through planning, design, budgeting, procurement, permitting, construction oversight, and post-construction services.
Develop project scopes, contract documents, and design exhibits; oversee multidisciplinary design and construction activities.
Manage space planning, interior renovation, facility improvement, and construction projects.
Represent Austin Energy before City leadership, community stakeholders, boards, commissions, and public agencies.
Conduct site visits and field assessments at Austin Energy facilities and project locations.