Power System Engineer Senior - Electrical, Austin Energy

City of Austin • Austin, TX

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM 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. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. 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. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Purpose: Plans, directs, and coordinates 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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations, such as generation, transmission, distribution and other related fields.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, principles, methods, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the design, construction, and operation of the electric utility systems.
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the local and state ordinances and laws.
• Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
• 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 calculations and to analyze engineering problems.
• Graduation with a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, plus seven (7) years of experience related to engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, the ability to obtain a Texas PE license within one (1) year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of Industrial Codes, Standards, and Best Practices; NERC, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA.
• Experience in specification, procurement, and installation of low and medium voltage switchgear (4160V, 2400V and 480V).
• Experience in testing and maintaining low and medium voltage equipment.
• Experience with motor relay protection design and settings.
• Experience with modeling software; ETAP, SKM.
• Experience with controls and interlocks.
• Project team leader and/or project management.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations for regular work duties.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex power system analyses, such as protective coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, load forecasts, power quality, voltage stability, system expansion studies, and market operations.
• Prepares and reviews standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, and test procedures.
• Develops and prepares engineering designs, drawings, circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, databases, plans, and other documents for transmission and distribution systems, generation and substation facilities, market operation and settlement systems and SCADA/EMS.
• Provides technical expertise in materials, design, welding, equipment standards, relay coordination, technology or other areas related to the utility industry.
• Formulates, prepares, and implements operating and safety procedures and guidelines, and operating manuals for system facilities including substations, transmission, distribution, and generation.
• Prepares necessary reports to regulatory agencies.
• Assists in providing technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility budget process.
• Identifies, investigates, and analyzes engineering design problems, and develops corrective actions.
• Provides technical leadership for major or complex engineering and construction projects, and works closely with field personnel to support project energization.
• Assists 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.
• Provide expert field engineering support to plant operations and plant maintenance of 4160V and 480V equipment.
• Oversee construction and installation, bid spec development and bid reviews.
• Lead electrical engineering efforts on capital improvement projects.
• Seal work under jurisdiction and complete work in a timely manner.
• Specify electrical equipment including; motors, switchgear, MCC, distribution panels ,cables, protection relays, etc.
• Work with the drafting department for drawing development and drawing updates.
• Direct plant electrical technicians and present solutions to plant management that are economical, concise, logical and easy to implement.
• Provide credible recommendations to plant management that give decisive and focused solutions to; plant malfunctions, plant safety, and ongoing improvements to plant operations.

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: Senior