Power System Engineer (Project Management)

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This position serves as a subject matter expert in project management for Austin Energy’s Transmission and Substation Engineering and Construction group. The role is responsible for managing and coordinating the Capital Improvement Project portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered effectively from planning through completion. While knowledge of electrical utility equipment and operations is helpful, the primary focus is on managing complex projects rather than technical power‑system design. The position requires a willingness to learn the electric utility industry and an understanding of key processes that impact project delivery, including City finance procedures, local and state permitting requirements, easement acquisition, and coordination with other City departments and regulatory agencies.

Job Description:

Power System Engineer

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision designs and assists in the design of electric utility system facilities, including generation, electric substations, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines, network systems, protection systems, supervisory control systems (SCADA), market operation and settlement systems, street lighting, and other electric system facilities. This position exists only in the Power Production and Electrical Services Delivery department of Austin Energy.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Prepares standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, test procedures
  
• Performs power system studies such as protective relay coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, power quality, voltage stability, power system market operations and settlement studies, etc.
  
• Prepares engineering design and develops drawings and other documents for generation, transmission, distribution, substations and SCADA/EMS.
  
• Prepares circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, data bases, and plans for different electrical facilities.
  
• Provide assistance to all classes of customers, developers, and to other City Departments on technical matters relevant to electric utility services
  
• Provide technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility planning and budget process
  
• Investigate and analyze engineering design problems; develop appropriate solutions; draft reports and make presentations
  
• Prepares safety procedures for electric facilities
  
• Assist in efforts to keep up with 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.
  
• Work closely with field personnel to support project energization.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of engineering design principles applicable to electric utility operations such as, generation, transmission, distribution, market operations and other related fields.
  
• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
  
• Knowledge of engineering standards, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the design, construction, and operation of the electric utility systems.
  
• Knowledge of established engineering principles and methods.
  
• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
  
• Ability to perform more complex engineering calculations and to analyze engineering problems.
  
• 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.
  
• Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus five (5) years of experience related to engineering.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current PMP certification or equivalent project management experience so PMP can be acquired within 6 months of employment
  
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar utility or civil engineering projects
  
• Experience overseeing the design, permitting, construction, or maintenance of electrical transmission/distribution systems or other civil/public works projects
  
• Experience managing multiple construction projects simultaneously
  
• Experience presenting to public or regulatory groups, including councils, committees, or community organizations
  
• Experience leading large, diverse teams, including internal staff and external consultants
  
• Experience delivering public-sector projects in the City of Austin or a similar jurisdiction, with proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk
  

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: $91,080 - $117,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM with a flexible telework/in-office schedule. Overtime as business needs require.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723

Employment Application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

Work Schedule:

• Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends.
  
• Shifts may change according to departmental needs.
  
• Employee may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.
  

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Work Location:

This position may offer the ability to work remotely. Ability to work remotely is not a guarantee, and may be adjusted in the future depending on the work group needs and adherence to Austin Energy Telework Policy.

Critical:
This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-05-07

• 

• City of Austin

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