Power System Engineer (Distributed Energy Resources)

About This Position

Join Austin Energy's Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration team, at the forefront of integrating advanced DER technologies into our utility's distribution system. We're in search of an Engineer versed in microgrids, solar and storage, and DER Management Systems. Tackle complex engineering and design challenges head-on, leveraging your strong analytical skills in a role that values independence and teamwork. As a self-motivated individual, you'll contribute significantly to our mission, driving the strategic implementation of innovative solutions in both independent and collaborative settings, without the need for constant direction. Your work will be instrumental in evolving our distribution system, marking a significant impact on the future of energy.

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:

• •Experience with distributed energy resources (DER).
• •Experience performing Distributed Energy Resource impact studies and hosting capacity analysis.
• •Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as power generation, energy storage, reliability, load flow, flicker, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, losses, etc.
• •Experience using various engineering loadflow analysis software i.e., CYME, Milsoft, Synergi or similar.
• •Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
• •Collaborator and leader who can work effectively in a team environment.
• •Ability to travel to multiple work sites as part of the regular job duties.





Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $96,180.00-$123,100.00



Notes to Candidate:

Note to Internal COA Applicants Only:

Current City of Austin employees MUST apply through the internal Workday Jobs Hub to be considered. Applications received from the External Career Site will be disqualified.

Work Location:

2500 Montopolis, Austin, TX 78741

Days and Hours:

• Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• 40 Hour Work Week (Hybrid Available)

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.
• •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.
• •Must provide professional reference/employment verification information.
• •This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC Personal Risk Assessment.
• •Must provide proof of valid work authorization at time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is classified as EXEMPT (Salaried). Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime compensation.

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 whi