Power System Engineer (Distributed Energy Resources)

City of Austin

3d • $96,180 - $123,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Energy is seeking a Power System Engineer for its Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration team. The role focuses on integrating DER technologies into the utility distribution system, including microgrids, solar, energy storage, and DER management systems. Under minimal supervision, the engineer designs and supports the design of electric utility facilities and systems, including generation, substations, transmission and distribution lines, network and protection systems, SCADA, market operations and settlement systems, and street lighting. The position is within Austin Energy's Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department. The engineer may provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

The role involves preparing engineering standards and procedures, performing power system studies, developing designs and technical documentation, advising customers and city departments, contributing to project planning and budgets, and supporting field personnel during project energization. The position works to ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements. It is a 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hybrid work is available. The role is based at 2500 Montopolis, Austin, Texas, and may require travel to multiple work sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering.
• Five years of experience related to engineering.
• Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations, including generation, transmission, distribution, and market operations.
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques, including trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in electric utility system design, construction, and operation.
• Knowledge of established engineering principles and methods.
• Knowledge of cost estimating and preparation of engineering and feasibility reports.
• Ability to perform complex engineering calculations and analyze engineering problems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within local and state ordinances and laws.
• Oral and written technical and general communication skills, including report preparation.
• Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with distributed energy resources (DER).
• Experience performing DER impact studies and hosting capacity analysis.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as power generation, energy storage, reliability, load flow, flicker, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, and losses.
• Experience using engineering load-flow analysis software such as CYME, Milsoft, Synergi, or similar.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
• Ability to collaborate and lead effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel to multiple work sites as part of regular job duties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, and test procedures.
• Perform power system studies, including protective relay coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, power quality, voltage stability, and market operations and settlement studies.
• Prepare engineering designs, drawings, and other documents for generation, transmission, distribution, substations, and SCADA/EMS.
• Prepare circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, databases, and plans for electrical facilities.
• Provide technical assistance to customers, developers, and other City departments regarding electric utility services.
• Provide technical and financial inputs for electric utility projects and the planning and budget process.
• Investigate and analyze engineering design problems, develop solutions, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Prepare safety procedures for electric facilities.
• Keep current with developments in the utility industry and support compliance with NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and Texas Public Utility Commission standards and regulatory requirements.
• Work with field personnel to support project energization.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Career development and professional development opportunities.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs and mental health support.
• On-site fitness centers.
• Public transit and bike-friendly transportation options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level