Power System Principal Engineer (Distribution Planning) - Austin Energy

City of Austin

20h•$118,900 - $152,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Power System Principal Engineer serves in Austin Energy’s Distribution Planning group and leads advanced power system analyses supporting long-range planning of the electric distribution grid. Studies include cable ampacity assessments, power factor correction, dual feed evaluations, load flow analyses, hosting capacity assessments, and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) impact studies. The results inform cost-effective, technically sound infrastructure recommendations that help keep the distribution system reliable, safe, and able to meet changing customer and system demands. The engineer collaborates with engineering, operations, construction, and land use teams to develop feasible, coordinated solutions aligned with Austin Energy’s planning and operational objectives. Under general direction, the position provides professional technical and specialized engineering expertise to deliver customer services, advance technologies and processes, and develop and maintain technical utility standards. It plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects; develops technical specifications and standards; manages engineering projects, contracts, and budgets; and monitors regulatory compliance. The position may provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others. The position is based at 2500 Montopolis, Austin, Texas. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for a 40-hour work week; hybrid work is available. Travel to multiple sites may be part of regular duties. This is a salaried, exempt position. It is designated as critical, and schedules or work assignments may change during extraordinary situations or emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering or a related field.
Eight years of engineering experience, acquired before and/or after professional licensure.
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 engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
Knowledge of utility standards and regulatory requirements, including NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and Texas Public Utility Commission compliance requirements.
Knowledge of engineering standards, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in electric utility system design, construction, and operation.
Knowledge of engineering principles and methods, cost estimating, engineering and feasibility reports, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
Oral and written communication skills, including preparation of technical reports.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to perform complex engineering calculations and analyze engineering problems.
Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of regular job duties.
Must provide proof of valid work authorization at hire and maintain authorization throughout employment.
Must complete a criminal background investigation and NERC Personal Risk Assessment.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing advanced distribution planning studies, including DER interconnection evaluations, hosting capacity assessments, large load interconnections, and load flow analysis.
Proficiency with industry-standard distribution modeling tools such as CYME or equivalent platforms, and a strong understanding of utility planning standards.
Experience developing long-range capacity plans and technical recommendations for utility capital projects, particularly involving reliability, resiliency, load growth, and grid modernization.
Experience providing technical leadership to engineering staff, mentoring, and reviewing complex analyses.
Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, design, construction, and land-use planning teams.
Strong communication and technical skills, including the ability to explain complex analyses and prepare technical reports, planning studies, and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead and provide technical oversight for advanced distribution planning analyses, including cable ampacity assessments, power factor correction, dual feed evaluations, load flow analyses, hosting capacity assessments, and DER impact studies.
Develop technical specifications and standards using engineering principles and knowledge of applicable methods, materials, equipment, and techniques.
Plan, research, design, and implement engineering studies, projects, and program areas.
Manage and negotiate contracts, including reviewing progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
Serve as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, and the City.
Resolve problems involving changes, errors, or deficiencies and ensure compliance with project specifications and requirements.
Manage and monitor engineering projects for compliance.
Review, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and related documents.
Develop and monitor project budgets and assist with short- and long-term budget forecasting and planning.
Monitor projects for regulatory compliance and maintain knowledge of utility-industry developments and applicable NERC, FERC, ERCOT, and Texas Public Utility Commission requirements.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, construction, and land use teams to coordinate feasible planning solutions.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Benefits

Low-cost medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
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
On-site fitness centers
Mental health support
Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure