Day-Ahead Asset Optimizer/Trader

Occidental Petroleum Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental Petroleum Corporation seeks a MISO and/or ERCOT Day-Ahead Asset Optimizer/Trader to maximize value of ERCOT and/or MISO generation assets through market participation, scheduling, asset optimization, and risk management.

This role requires familiarity with ERCOT and/or MISO markets, strong analytical skills, and the ability to coordinate across operations, trading, and risk functions to meet commercial objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year in ERCOT and/or MISO power asset optimization, scheduling, analytics, generation operations, or energy trading.

Responsibilities

• Develop day-ahead and real-time strategies for ERCOT and/or MISO assets.
• Coordinate with operations to align generation with market opportunities.
• Manage bids, offers, and ancillary services to maximize profit within risk limits.
• Provide market insights to senior management for planning and investment.

Skills

ERCOT market experience

MISO market experience

Power trading

Asset optimization

Risk management

Scheduling

Market analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, engineering, mathematics, finance, or related field

Job description

Overview

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. OxyChem offers opportunities to contribute, elevate skills, and advance careers. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, serving applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and construction. The Power Group in Houston, Texas manages a diverse portfolio of cogeneration facilities and electrical loads across the United States, coordinating with MISO and ERCOT for ISO-compliant operations.

Position

We are seeking a MISO and/or ERCOT Day-Ahead Asset Optimizer/Trader to join our commercial operations team. The Day-Ahead Asset Optimizer/Trader will optimize the value of the company’s ERCOT and/or MISO generation portfolio through strategic market participation, scheduling, asset optimization, and risk management. This role requires familiarity with ERCOT and/or MISO markets, strong analytical skills, and the ability to coordinate across operations, trading, and risk functions to achieve commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement day-ahead and real-time strategies to maximize the economic value of ERCOT and/or MISO generation assets.
• Identify and evaluate price/risk trade-offs in power system operating strategies, considering transmission constraints, generation capabilities, renewable forecasts, and fuel supply dynamics.
• Coordinate with plant operations to align generation output with market opportunities and reliability obligations.
• Manage ERCOT and/or MISO bid submissions, resource offers, and ancillary service participation to ensure compliance and profit maximization.
• Oversee scheduling and dispatch of controllable load resources in coordination with real-time operations.
• Monitor and analyze the company’s ERCOT and/or MISO power positions; recommend adjustments to optimize portfolio value and hedge market exposures within approved risk limits.
• Execute short-term trades and transactions to balance portfolio requirements.
• Coordinate plant outage timing with resource planning to maximize availability during periods of high profitability.
• Collaborate with the Regulatory team to develop, align, and execute strategic positions on regulatory matters impacting market participation, asset optimization, and commercial objectives.
• Partner with credit, contracts, and counterparties to establish new commercial opportunities.
• Research ERCOT and/or MISO market fundamentals, regulatory changes, and industry trends to develop forward market strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of ERCOT and/or MISO protocols, market rules, and transmission tariff structures.
• Provide market insights to senior management for strategic planning and asset investment decisions.
• Partner with real-time operations, chemical facilities, and risk management to align commercial strategies with operating constraints.
• Work with IT and data analytics teams to enhance bidding, forecasting, and asset optimization tools.
• Ensure operational compliance with FERC, NERC, ERCOT and/or MISO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor junior team members, sharing ERCOT and/or MISO market and asset management expertise.
• Account for preschedule and day-ahead transactions and ensure accurate communication to back-office teams.
• Prepare periodic asset performance and portfolio optimization reports for internal stakeholders.
• Represent the company in ERCOT and/or MISO-related industry forums, committees, and working groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, engineering, mathematics, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in ERCOT and/or MISO power asset optimization, scheduling, analytics, generation operations, or energy trading.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience with ERCOT and/or MISO market participation, including generation dispatch, day-ahead bidding, and ancillary services.
• Strong ability to analyze market data, identify commercial opportunities, and make decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Advanced knowledge of ERCOT and/or MISO transmission constraints, dispatch protocols, and settlement processes.
• Familiarity with ISDA, NAESB, and other industry-standard agreements.
• Proficiency in energy market analytics, forecasting models, and trading systems.