Power System Engineer Senior (Transmission & Distribution Planning)

City of Austin

4d•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. The Power System Engineer Sr performs power system steady state, short circuit, and economic assessments. This position will prepare scope of work and procedures, and direct/supervise consultants in performance of power system analyses. Will assist in NERC, FERC, PUC and ERCOT compliance activities. 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

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
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 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Transmission Planning, including transmission level steady state, short circuit and stability analysis
Experience using Siemens PTI PSSE or similar software package
Experience in creating/ updating transmission level short circuit database updates, and short circuit analysis.
Experience participating as member or leader in Regional Independent System Operator (ISO) Planning working groups.

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.