Power System Engineer Senior (Protection Engineering)

City of Austin

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 in Austin Energy's Transmission & Substation Protection Engineering Group which is responsible for the system protection engineering of the Austin Energy transmission, substation and distribution assets. The team is seeking a Power System Engineer Senior to contribute to the team in the following key areas: system protection studies, protection system settings development, and regulatory compliance. This position requires an engineer with senior-level experience in system protection engineering design fundamentals, protection system challenges, engineering and compliance documentation, analytical skills and problem solving. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can work under general supervision and a collaborator who can work effectively in a team environment including cross functional engineering and non-technical staff. Job Description: Power System Engineer Senior 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

Graduation with a Bachelor’s 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in applying power system protection principles and relaying schemes for utility T&D systems.
Experience in utility power systems analysis to perform system protection studies, develop protection schemes and relay settings.
Experience using ASPEN OneLiner and SEL QuickSet.
Experience in trouble shooting protection systems and mis-operation analysis.
Experience with NERC reliability standards and ERCOT requirements.
Experience reading protection and control drawings such as one-line drawings, AC/DC schematic drawings and wiring schematics.
Ability to travel to multiple sites.

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.
May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.