Power System Engineer (Project Management)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•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. This position serves as a subject matter expert in project management for Austin Energy’s Transmission and Substation Engineering and Construction group. The role is responsible for managing and coordinating the Capital Improvement Project portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered effectively from planning through completion. While knowledge of electrical utility equipment and operations is helpful, the primary focus is on managing complex projects rather than technical power‑system design. The position requires a willingness to learn the electric utility industry and an understanding of key processes that impact project delivery, including City finance procedures, local and state permitting requirements, easement acquisition, and coordination with other City departments and regulatory agencies. Under minimal supervision, this role designs and assists in the design of electric utility system facilities, including generation, electric substations, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, network systems, protection systems, supervisory control systems (SCADA), market operation and settlement systems, street lighting, and other electric system facilities. This position exists only in the Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department of Austin Energy.

Requirements

Graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering
Five (5) years of experience related to engineering.
Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations such as, generation, transmission, distribution, market operations and other related fields.
Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
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.
Ability to perform more complex engineering calculations and to analyze engineering problems.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the 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.
Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
Willingness to learn the electric utility industry and an understanding of key processes that impact project delivery, including City finance procedures, local and state permitting requirements, easement acquisition, and coordination with other City departments and regulatory agencies.

Nice To Haves

Current PMP certification or equivalent project management experience so PMP can be acquired within 6 months of employment
Experience managing multi-million-dollar utility or civil engineering projects
Experience overseeing the design, permitting, construction, or maintenance of electrical transmission/distribution systems or other civil/public works projects
Experience managing multiple construction projects simultaneously
Experience presenting to public or regulatory groups, including councils, committees, or community organizations
Experience leading large, diverse teams, including internal staff and external consultants
Experience delivering public-sector projects in the City of Austin or a similar jurisdiction, with proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk

Responsibilities

Prepares standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, test procedures
Performs power system studies such as protective relay coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, power quality, voltage stability, power system market operations and settlement studies, etc.
Prepares engineering design and develops drawings and other documents for generation, transmission, distribution, substations and SCADA/EMS.
Prepares circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, data bases, and plans for different electrical facilities.
Provide assistance to all classes of customers, developers, and to other City Departments on technical matters relevant to electric utility services
Provide technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility planning and budget process
Investigate and analyze engineering design problems; develop appropriate solutions; draft reports and make presentations
Prepares safety procedures for electric facilities
Assist in efforts to keep up with 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.
Work closely with field personnel to support project energization.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

Generous leave
Work-life balance programs
Extensive benefits
Retirement Security (City of Austin Employees' Retirement System)
Sustainable Transportation Options (access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure)
Wellness programs
On-site fitness centers
Mental health support
Professional development opportunities
Leadership opportunities