Electric Distribution Designer

City of Austin•Austin, TX

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for delivering reliable electric service to Austin Energy customers by planning and designing the Austin Energy electric distribution system with a focus on safety, grid reliability, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. This position works with a broad range of work groups and professional disciplines and requires an individual with both technical knowledge, understanding of engineering principals, and personal skills to comprehensively serve the purpose of this department. An Electric Distribution Designer ensures customers receive safe and reliable electric service from Austin Energy by: Gathering the customer’s electric service requirements and being the technical lead of the project, Communicating cost estimates and timelines, Ensuring all criterion is met for the design (from AE, COA, TXDOT, etc.), Managing and tracking project deliverables and statuses for projects, Serving as the single point of contact for the customer when they have questions about their project (via phone call, email, site visits, etc.). Under moderate supervision, this position is responsible for the design of residential, commercial, industrial, and illumination overhead and underground electric distribution facilities.

Requirements

Knowledge of the National Electrical Code and the National Electric Safety Code requirements relevant to distribution design issues.
Knowledge of high school-level math (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), physics, etc. relevant to electric utility distribution design.
Knowledge of distribution design and construction practices, including Austin Energy (AE) Distribution Designer Guidelines and Distribution Construction Standards.
Knowledge of utility service guidelines and policies.
Knowledge of power system components, functions, ratings, and limitations.
Knowledge of roadway, security, and other lighting design practices.
Ability to apply AE Design Criteria to various customer situations.
Ability to use AutoCAD or equivalent computer-assisted tools.
Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to learn how to perform advanced power system calculations.
Ability to learn how to analyze power distribution systems and components.
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years of relevant work experience related to electric utility distribution construction/design capacity.
Education from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for experience up to four (4) years for the minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Experience with medium voltage utility design and/or construction.
Experience leading projects from planning to completion with little to no outside guidance.
Experience designing for residential, commercial, streetlight and industrial electric utility customers.
Experience in customer service focusing on problem solving and resolutions for a diverse set of key stakeholders, such as City Council, neighborhood groups, and other utility customers.
AutoCAD experience

Responsibilities

Assesses load requirements, evaluates environmental constraints, and identifies project requirements (permits, easements, aesthetics, fees, etc.)
Performs cost estimates, plans material needs, and follows up on progress of distribution projects from inception to completion.
Performs power system calculations: voltage drop, equipment sizing, etc.
Interprets survey data, plan, and deed information.
Interprets engineered construction drawings.
Interfaces regularly with contractors, engineers, developers, customers, and consultants.
Coordinates the installation of distribution facilities.