Power System Graduate Engineer - Austin Energy

City of Austin

4d • $89,880 - $115,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Power System Graduate Engineer performs power system steady-state, short-circuit, and economic assessments and assists with NERC, FERC, PUC, and ERCOT compliance activities. Under limited supervision, the position designs and assists in designing electric utility system facilities. These 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. The position exists only in Austin Energy’s Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department.

The role prepares or assists with engineering standards, equipment specifications, design and test procedures, power system studies, engineering designs, and supporting drawings and documents. It also provides technical support to customers, developers, City departments, and field personnel, and contributes technical and financial information to the electric utility budget process. The position has no supervisory or leadership responsibilities. It is classified as exempt and designated as an Essential Employee position, so emergency operations may require schedule changes, call-back, or work at a City-designated site.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for a 40-hour work week. Hybrid work is available. Additional hours may be required to support 24-hour utility operations, including evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and emergency closures. The work location is 2500 Montopolis, Austin, Texas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus 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 of the applicability of established engineering principles and methods.
• Knowledge of computer software programs applicable to the position and of cost-estimate preparation.
• Skill in oral and written technical and general communication.
• 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 job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must provide proof of valid work authorization at hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment.
• If selected as a top candidate, must undergo a criminal background investigation, NERC personal risk assessment, and ERCOT Digital Certificate process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in transmission planning, including transmission-level steady-state, short-circuit, and stability analysis.
• Experience using Siemens PTI PSSE or a similar software package.
• Experience creating or updating transmission-level steady-state and short-circuit database updates.
• 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 preparing and 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 projects in the budget process.
• Prepare or assist in preparing safety procedures for electric facilities.
• Work closely with field personnel to support project energization.
• Perform power system steady-state, short-circuit, and economic assessments.
• Assist with NERC, FERC, PUC, and ERCOT compliance activities.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan, including the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Career development and professional development opportunities.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Modern and sustainable workspaces.

What This Job Offers

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