Power System Graduate Engineer (Transmission Engineering)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•$89,880 - $115,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Power System Graduate Engineer designs and assists in the design of electric utility system facilities under limited supervision. Facilities may include generation, substations, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, network systems, protection systems, SCADA, Energy Management, market operation and settlement systems, street lighting, and other electric system facilities. This position exists only in Austin Energy’s Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department. Within Transmission Engineering, the team provides overhead transmission line design engineering for capital projects, maintenance work, and related projects. The team also reviews proposed site development near Austin Energy transmission facilities for compliance with requirements and works with Regulatory to meet obligations. The work supports ownership, operation, and maintenance of a reliable 69kV-to-345kV transmission system in a congested urban area. The position prepares or assists with standards, equipment specifications, design and test procedures, engineering studies, designs, drawings, and other technical documents. It provides technical support to customers, developers, City departments, and field personnel, including support for project energization. The role is classified as exempt salaried and designated as a Critical Employee position. Hybrid work is available; the stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for a 40-hour work week. Travel to multiple sites may be necessary as part of regular duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering.
Three years of experience related to the job; a master’s degree in engineering may substitute for up to two years of experience.
Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
Knowledge of mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of the assigned discipline.
Knowledge of leadership roles and responsibilities and the applicability of established engineering principles and methods.
Knowledge of computer software programs applicable to the position and of preparing cost estimates.
Oral and written technical and general communication skills.
Ability to perform engineering calculations and analyze engineering problems.
Ability to read and comprehend simple specifications, plans, and shop drawings.
Ability to interpret and make decisions in conformance with established policies and practices.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with coworkers and the public.
Must meet the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Robust overhead transmission line design technical skills.
Experience working for an electric utility, cooperative, or municipality.
Experience using the PLS-CADD software suite.
Experience with the National Electric Safety Code and related industry codes and standards, such as ASCE-SEI and RUS.
Structural and geotechnical engineering experience.
Electrical engineering experience related to high-voltage transmission line design.
Skills using AutoCAD.
Skills using LPile, MFAD, or other foundation design and analysis software.
Experience using GIS systems.
Experience routing transmission lines in congested urban areas.
Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of regular job duties.

Responsibilities

Prepare or assist in preparing standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, and test procedures.
Perform or assist with power system studies, including protective coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, power quality, and voltage stability.
Prepare or assist with engineering designs and develop drawings and other documents for generation, transmission, distribution, substations, and SCADA/EMS.
Prepare or assist in maintaining drawings, circuit maps, diagrams, charts, databases, and plans.
Provide technical assistance to customers, developers, and other City departments on electric utility services.
Provide technical and financial inputs for electric utility budget projects.
Prepare or assist in preparing safety procedures for electric facilities.
Work closely with field personnel to support project energization.
Review proposed site development near transmission line facilities for compliance with Austin Energy requirements.
Work with the Regulatory team to help ensure regulatory obligations are met.

Benefits

Low-cost medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Paid leave time.
Competitive retirement plan and access to the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Career development opportunities and professional development.
Work-life balance programs.
Wellness programs and mental health support.
On-site fitness centers.
Public transit and bike-friendly transportation infrastructure.