Power System Managing Engineer (Distribution Planning)

City of Austin

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Distribution Planning leads Austin Energy’s Distribution Planning group, overseeing engineering staff, technical studies, and long term system strategies that ensure a safe, reliable, and resilient electric distribution system. At the direction of the Director of T&D Planning, this position may also be assigned responsibility for Transmission Planning activities and staff. The Manager fosters a high performance environment by motivating staff, cultivating strong interpersonal relationships, and creating a safe workplace that supports engagement, development, and productivity. This position also provides briefings and presentations to senior management on complex engineering topics, clearly translating technical information for non-technical audiences.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus eight (8) years related engineering experience acquired either before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer, four (4) years or which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
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 management skills of assigned programs, projects and personnel.
Knowledge of diversified, fundamental scientific and engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships, and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical engineering.
Knowledge of 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.
Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical and/or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.
Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the local and state ordinances and laws.
Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports.
Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.
Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials.
Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
Ability to understand and interpret engineering and technical data related to assigned responsibilities.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with internal and external customers.
Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to direct, coach and train others.
Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
This position requires a criminal background investigation, NERC Personal Risk Assessment, and ERCOT Digital Certificate.

Nice To Haves

Experience in electric distribution planning, load forecasting, DER integration, and distribution modeling tools (e.g., CYME, Synergi).
Strong communication skills, including the ability to present and translate complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
Sufficient technical background and adaptability to learn and serve as the manager of Transmission Planning when requested.
Demonstrated resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances, new technologies, and emerging challenges.
Documented experience coaching, developing, or mentoring engineering staff, with at least 2 direct reports or mentees showing measurable skill growth or advancement.

Responsibilities

Oversees the development and maintenance of design standards, assessment of new and existing products, project planning, design, field operations support, staff management and implementation of projects.
Manages and implements projects/programs to support system reliability, expansion of assets. Including the development and review of engineering standards, drawing development, review and sealing, managing work assignments and forecasting resources and jobs, and maintaining compliance with all applicable City and regulatory policies and standards.
Develops staff by assessing business and personnel needs implementing necessary training plans/programs to assure organization can meet needs.
Provides technical leadership advice and direction for assigned division, project, or program personnel.
Develops design criteria, develop and monitors performance criteria.
Develops and implements standard operating procedures, policies and ordinances by applying advance technical, managerial and Quality System knowledge and applying changes to meet departmental business goals and objectives.
Monitors projects for regulatory compliance with applicable AE, ERCOT and NERC requirements.
Monitors projects by applying engineering principles, project forecasting and estimating techniques, and quality and effectiveness metrics.
Analyzes, prepare and monitors Operating and Capital budget activities.
Reviews and implements short and long-term program strategies and ensures program is aligned with Department goals and strategies.
Monitors projects for regulatory compliance and maintains knowledge of 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.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.