Power System Engineer Senior (DER)

City of Austin, TX
Austin, Texas United States  View Map
Posted: Oct 25, 2024
  • Full Time
  • Engineering
  • Job Description

    Minimum Qualifications
    Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
    • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, plus seven (7) years of experience related to engineering.


    Licenses or Certifications:
    • 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.
    Notes to Applicants
    Austin Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource ( DER ) Integration program is responsible for integrating and strategically implementing innovative DER technologies within the utility’s distribution system. As a DER Integration Engineer, you’ll engage with cutting-edge technologies, including micro-grids, standalone solar and energy storage, residential and commercial solar-plus-storage, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems ( DERMS ), DER system protection, and other DERs, including non-inverter-based generation.

    This position is ideal for engineers eager to tackle real-world challenges, grow within a collaborative team, and contribute to transformative energy solutions. Join Austin Energy in leading the transformation of its distribution system through innovation and teamwork.

    Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

    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.
    • Resumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see resumé” 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 seven (7) days from the date of the initial advertisement.
      • Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.




    FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT :
    • This position is classified as EXEMPT (Salaried). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.


    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 ( CBI ).


    WORK SCHEDULE :
    • 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.


    TRAVEL :

    • If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
    Pay Range
    $48.38 - $62.90

    Hours
    Monday - Friday
    8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Hybrid
    • Shift may change according to departmental needs.
    • Additional hours may be required to work outside of regular schedule.
    Job Close Date 12/08/2024 Type of Posting External Department Austin Energy Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location 2500 Montopolis Dr. (SCC), Austin, TX 78741 Preferred Qualifications
    Preferred Experience:
    • Familiarity with Distributed Energy Resources ( DER ) and control systems
    • Proficiency in reviewing and interpreting circuit maps, electrical drawings, control diagrams, and charts
    • Collaborative team player who can work effectively in a team environment
    • Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal direction
    • Strong analytical skills and proven problem-solving abilities in both team and independent environments
    • Understanding of communication protocols relevant to smart grid technologies
    • Willingness to travel to project and/or client sites
    • Familiarity with data analysis, data visualization, and data management tools
    • Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLC programming, and communication protocols such as DNP3 or Modbus
    • Project management skills
    • Regulatory knowledge related to DER integration and grid interconnection.
    • Innovative thinking for developing new solutions for integrating DER into existing grid infrastructure
    • Technical writing skills for creating detailed technical reports and documentation
    • Experience working directly with clients to understand their needs and provide technical support.
    • Familiarity with power system simulation software
    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.


    Performs complex power system analyses, such as protective coordination, fault studies, load flows, service reliability, load forecasts, power quality, voltage stability, system expansion studies, and market operations. Prepares and reviews standards, equipment specifications, design procedures, and test procedures. Develops and prepares engineering designs, drawings, circuit maps, control diagrams, charts, databases, plans, and other documents for transmission and distribution systems, generation and substation facilities, market operation and settlement systems and SCADA / EMS . Provides technical expertise in materials, design, welding, equipment standards, relay coordination, technology or other areas related to the utility industry. Formulates, prepares, and implements operating and safety procedures and guidelines, and operating manuals for system facilities including substations, transmission, distribution, and generation. Prepares necessary reports to regulatory agencies. Assists in providing technical and financial inputs for projects in electric utility budget process. Identifies, investigates, and analyzes engineering design problems, and develops corrective actions. Provides technical leadership for major or complex engineering and construction projects, and works closely with field personnel to support project energization. Assists 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.

    Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
    • May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
    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 and other related fields.
    • Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
    • Knowledge of engineering standards, principles, methods, codes, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the design, construction, and operation of the electric utility systems.
    • Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
    • Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the local and state ordinances and laws.
    • Knowledge of City of Austin purchasing and contract policies and procedures.
    • Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports.
    • Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.
    • Ability to perform more complex engineering calculations and to analyze engineering problems.
    Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
    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.

    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.

    Supplemental Questions

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
    * This position requires graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, plus seven (7) years of experience related to engineering. Do you meet this requirement?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Are you currently a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, have the ability to obtain a Texas PE license within one (1) year of employment.
    • Yes, I currently hold a State of Texas Professional Engineer license.
    • Yes, I am licensed in another state and I have the ability to obtain licensing within one year of employment.
    • I do not have Professional Engineer license.
    * Please provide your PE license number and state of registration:
    (Open Ended Question)
    * Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?
    • Yes
    • No
    * This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.
    • I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.
    * Please explain your experience with Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
    (Open Ended Question)
    * Please explain your experience working with large data sets and data visualization tools, analyzing performance data, and documenting key findings in reports for grant or business purposes?
    (Open Ended Question)
    * Do you have experience coordinating projects with vendors and internal work groups?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Can you review and interpret circuit maps, electrical drawings, control diagrams, and charts for electrical facilities?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Do you have a strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts related to power systems?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Do you have experience with SCADA systems, PLC programming, and communication protocols such as DNP3 or Modbus?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Do you have experience using software packages like AutoCAD, GIS, ADMS, ETAP, or similar for power system modeling?
    • Yes
    • No


    Optional & Required Documents

    Required Documents Optional Documents
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Austin
    • City of Austin

    The City of Austin

    This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017. 

    Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability. 

    The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum. 

    Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes. 

    There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.

    City Government

    The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. 

    The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin. 

    The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.

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