Power System Principal Engineer; Distribution Planning; Austin Energy

## Power System Principal Engineer (Distribution Planning) - Austin Energy Apply:
Austin Energy:
Full time:
Posted Today:
End Date:
November 24, 2026 (28 days left to apply):
JR105605
** About This Position
** This position serves within the Distribution Planning group and is responsible for leading advanced power system analyses to support long‐range planning of the Austin Energy electric distribution grid. The role encompasses execution and technical oversight of studies such as cable ampacity assessments, power factor correction, dual feed evaluations, load flow analyses, hosting capacity assessments, and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) impact studies.

Results from these analyses inform cost effective, technically sound infrastructure recommendations that ensure the distribution system remains reliable, safe, and capable of meeting evolving customer and system demands. The engineer will collaborate extensively with engineering, operations, construction, and land use teams to ensure that proposed solutions are feasible, coordinated, and aligned with Austin Energy’s planning and operational objectives.##
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* Job Description:

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Purpose:

Under general direction, provides professional technical and specialized engineering expertise to assure delivery of services to customers, advancement of new technologies and processes, and/or development and maintenance of technical utility standards.  ## 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.
* Develops technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering discipline, including the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used.
* Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects and/or program areas by applying advance technical knowledge of engineering discipline.
* Manages and negotiates contracts by reviewing monthly progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling requisite documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records.
* Acts as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators or suppliers and City.
* Negotiates problems of changes, errors or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.
* Manages and monitors engineering projects for compliance.
* Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts and other related documents.
* Develops and monitors project budgets and assists in developing, managing and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term city planning.
* Monitor projects for regulatory compliance and maintains knowledge of 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 - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
* May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, 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 and other related fields.
* Knowledge of utility standards and regulatory requirements, 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) compliance requirements.
* 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.
* Knowledge of regulatory requirements within the Local, State and Federal 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…