Senior Engineer, Transmission Planning
Highlights
- Have a major influence on pioneering innovative projects that make a significant positive community impact. You’ll engage in cutting‑edge initiatives involving renewable energy, energy storage, and advanced load integration. Be a key player in shaping the future of the power grid through strategic partnerships with ERCOT and NERC.
- Play a key role in coordinating with customers and leading comprehensive studies to integrate a variety of advanced technologies, including wind, solar, energy storage, data center loads, and large industrial loads.
- Using sophisticated tools such as Siemens PSSE, DSA Tools, and PSCAD to model and analyze power system dynamics.
- You will have the opportunity to contribute to these initiatives and make a meaningful impact on the community and the future of the power grid.
The Community
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has a diverse portfolio focused on energy, water, and community services.
Energy
- Hydroelectric Power: LCRA operates hydroelectric generating units at six Highland Lakes dams, producing about 295 megawatts (MW) of power.
- Renewable Energy: LCRA has increased its renewable energy, including 141 MW from the Juno Solar project and 10 MW from the Mars Solar project.
- Fossil Fuels: As of 2005, LCRA’s power generation included 46.4% from coal, 46.1% from natural gas, and 7.5% from hydroelectricity.
Water
- Water Management: LCRA manages the water supply for the lower Colorado River basin, ensuring availability for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use.
- Flood Control: LCRA plays a crucial role in flood management through dam operations and water release strategies.
Community Services
- Public Services: LCRA provides parks, recreational facilities, and supports economic development in the region.
About LCRA
- LCRA operates and maintains over 5,400 circuit miles of transmission lines.
- LCRA operates six dams on the lower Colorado River in Central Texas: Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke, Mansfield, and Tom Miller.
- LCRA provides water for more than 4 million people and sells wholesale electricity to over 30 retail utilities, including cities and electric cooperatives.
- Who we are…
- What we do…
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Benefits
- Hybrid flexible work schedule – currently 3 days remote and 2 days in the Austin, TX office.
- Public retirement pension.
- Time off: Vacation & holidays, sick time, and paid family leave.
- Insurance: medical, dental, vision.
- Health Savings Account.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Medical Care Support Services.
- Legal Benefit Plan.
- Supplemental Health Benefits Plan.
- Life insurance, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability.
- 401(k) plan with 8% employer match or 457.
- Wellness Programs: Empower Wellness, Employee Assistance, and Real Appeal Weight Loss.
Role
This position performs an exciting mix of engineering tasks related to transmission planning.
- Engaged with high‑tech, industrial, and commercial customers, performing in‑depth studies on the integration of cutting‑edge technologies such as wind, solar, energy storage, data center loads, and large industrial loads.
- Primary focus on developing transmission solutions that ensure NERC compliance and address steady‑state and stability violations resulting from system disturbances.
- Involved in a wide range of topics, including inverter‑based resources, stability model performance, and distributed energy resources.
- Conduct various interconnection studies (feasibility, system impact, stability, etc.).
- Propose transmission upgrades to ensure system reliability.
- Lead interconnection requests, collaborating with developers for efficient processes.
- Ensure compliance with ERCOT and NERC standards and regulations.
- Work closely with internal teams to support and implement transmission projects.
- Create and present detailed technical reports and analyses.
- Perform additional duties as needed, showcasing versatility and dedication.
Community Information
- Austin, TX is a vibrant city known for its culture, tech innovation, and natural beauty. Often called the "Live Music Capital of the World," it hosts festivals such as SXSW and Austin City Limits.
- The city is a major tech hub, home to startups and established tech giants.
- Set along the Colorado River, Austin offers outdoor spaces like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the warm Texas climate.
- Known for its welcoming and progressive community, Austin balances laid‑back atmosphere with the excitement of rapid growth.
Background Profile
- Bachelor’s Degree: Engineering (Electrical preferred but a combination of another discipline with required experience acceptable).
- Certification: PE license in Texas preferred but other state license acceptable with ability to obtain Texas license. 8 years of engineering experience in the relevant area.
- Expertise in:
- Running load‑flow analysis software such as PSSE, VSAT, PSCAD.
- Performing planning and interconnection studies.
- Proposing transmission upgrade solutions for high‑voltage or extra‑high‑voltage grid.
- Knowledgeable in NERC, ERCOT reliability standards and interconnection requirements.
- Top Skills:
- Electrical Engineer with strong power systems background.
- Strong technical leadership skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
For questions and more information about this opportunity, please contact:
Jennifer Powers
Phone or text: (916) 304-6661
Email: Jennifer@JPowersInc.com