Power System Managing Engineer (Transmission Planning) - Austin Energy

City of Austin

6d•$138,700 - $177,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Power System Managing Engineer leads Austin Energy’s Transmission Planning functions and may oversee Distribution Planning as needed. Under minimal direction and with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, the role manages major engineering programs and staff to support system reliability, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and long-term grid planning. The position supervises engineering staff; develops standards, procedures, and program strategies; manages project portfolios and operating and capital budgets; and supports continuous improvement in planning, design, and system performance. It also presents complex engineering topics to senior management in a way that is understandable to non-technical audiences. The position oversees engineering standards and project development, planning, design, field operations support, resource forecasting, and project implementation. It develops staff and provides technical leadership, monitors project performance and regulatory compliance, and maintains knowledge of utility-industry developments and applicable City, NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and Texas PUC requirements. The role exercises the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal. The position is based at 2500 Montopolis, Austin, Texas. 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. The position is classified as exempt and designated critical, so schedules or work assignments may change during extraordinary situations or emergencies. Travel to multiple sites may be part of regular duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering.
Eight years of related engineering experience, acquired before and/or after professional-engineer licensing, including four years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas, or currently licensed in another state with the ability to obtain a Texas PE license within one year of employment.
Knowledge of management of assigned programs, projects, and personnel.
Knowledge of fundamental scientific and engineering concepts and their application to theoretical or practical engineering problems.
Knowledge of utility-industry standards and requirements, including NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and Texas PUC requirements.
Knowledge of one or more of the following engineering disciplines: civil, environmental, structural, architectural, mechanical, or electrical.
Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.
Knowledge of engineering principles and methods and of applicable local and state regulatory requirements, ordinances, and laws.
Oral and written technical and general communication skills, including preparation of written reports.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to analyze complex information from multiple sources and develop sound decisions or recommendations.
Ability to develop, review, monitor, and evaluate contracts for services or materials.
Ability to understand and interpret engineering and technical data related to assigned responsibilities.
Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
Ability to direct, coach, and train others and to analyze and resolve irregular events.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Transmission Planning, including load flow, stability, and short-circuit studies.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex engineering studies into technical reports or presentations understandable to non-technical audiences, with at least two examples provided by the applicant.
Technical background and adaptability to learn and provide management support in Distribution Planning as needed.
Evidence of adapting successfully to new technologies or regulatory changes, such as leading or contributing to at least one major technology transition or compliance update in the past three years.
Documented experience coaching, developing, or mentoring engineering staff, with at least two direct reports or mentees showing measurable skill growth or advancement.
Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of regular job duties.

Responsibilities

Oversee the development and maintenance of design standards, assessment of new and existing products, project planning and design, field operations support, staff management, and project implementation.
Manage and implement projects and programs that support system reliability and asset expansion.
Develop and review engineering standards; develop, review, and seal drawings; manage work assignments; forecast resources and jobs; and maintain compliance with applicable City and regulatory policies and standards.
Develop staff by assessing business and personnel needs and implementing training plans and programs.
Provide technical leadership, advice, and direction to division, project, or program personnel; develop design criteria and monitor performance criteria.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures, policies, and ordinances, applying technical, managerial, and Quality System knowledge to support departmental goals and objectives.
Monitor projects for regulatory compliance with applicable Austin Energy, ERCOT, NERC, FERC, and Texas PUC requirements.
Monitor projects using engineering principles, forecasting and estimating techniques, and quality and effectiveness metrics.
Analyze, prepare, and monitor operating and capital budget activities.
Review and implement short- and long-term program strategies and ensure programs align with department goals and strategies.
Maintain knowledge of developments in the utility industry and applicable reliability and regulatory standards.
Present complex topics to senior management in a way that is understandable to non-technical staff.
Perform supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal.
Manage multiple projects and programs within approved budgets and establish professional relationships with internal and external customers.
Direct, coach, and train staff; analyze and resolve irregular events.