EMS Applications Developer Sr.

ERCOT; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT is seeking a skilled software developer to design and implement applications for the Texas power grid. This role emphasizes collaboration with teams, rigorous adherence to development processes, and leveraging advanced technologies like AI/ML for innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience in programming, energy management systems, and modern development practices. The position supports hybrid work arrangements, allowing flexibility while meeting operational needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of job-related experience for Level 3; 5+ years for Senior level.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test grid applications using various programming languages.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements.
• Ensure adherence to SDLC processes and quality delivery.

Skills

Programming in C/C++, Java, Python, Perl, or Fortran

Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Experience applying AI/ML techniques

Oracle PL/SQL experience

Strong written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CPLEX

AMPL

Job description

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

Designs and develops software for a suite of Electric Power Grid applications within the Grid & Market Solutions (GMS) Technology Development – Grid team. The application suite includes Energy Management System (EMS) components such as Topology Processor, Power Flow, State Estimator, Contingency Analysis, Load Frequency Control, Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS), ICCP, SCADA, CIM Importer, interfaces, Dynamic Stability Analysis, Load and IRR Forecasting, PMU, and Network Model Management System (NMMS).

Ensures adherence to Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes, including testing and validation of grid applications and user interface changes, to deliver high-quality software solutions. This role also incorporates modern technologies such as containerization, cloud platforms, and AI/ML to enhance scalability, performance, and advanced analytics capabilities. This position reports to the Supervisor/Manager of GMS Technology Development – Grid.

JOB DUTIES

• Understands and apply principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT's culture.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects.
• May respond to inquiries and/or provide assistance and/or guidance to lower-level workers.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Level 3

• Performs all work in compliance with applicable regulatory regulations, organizational policies, and procedures.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to gather and understand functional and non-functional requirements for grid applications.
• Designs, develops, and tests grid applications and interfaces using programming languages such as Fortran, C/C++, Java, Perl, and Python in Windows and Linux environments.
• Designs, develops, and tests backend database changes using Oracle PL/SQL.
• Supports EMS upgrade projects by migrating custom ERCOT code to upgraded EMS systems.
• Demonstrates knowledge of linear and nonlinear optimization techniques and understands formulation of optimization objective functions used in grid applications (e.g., SCOPF, SCUC).
• Develops optimization models incorporating various constraints using solvers like CPLEX and AMPL.
• Analyzes grid operations and congestion management requirements and develops solutions in EMS applications such as Power Flow, State Estimator, Contingency Analysis, Load Frequency Control, Load Forecasting, Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) and ERCOT developed custom applications.
• Collaborates with the Network Modeling team on CIM data modeling, designs CIM importer schema changes and develops EMS CIM Importer solutions.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues related to Voltage and Transient Stability Analysis (VSAT/TSAT) in collaboration with Powertech.
• Designs and implements IRR (wind/solar) forecast requirements using Siemens WebSDK based tools like Forecast Presentation Platform.
• Deploys, configures, integrations and tests vendor software releases that include GE EMS, Siemens NMMS, Powertech DSATools, EPG PMU/RTDMS and Itron MetrixIDR.
• Provides timely resolution of critical production issues as part of a 24x7 Level 2 support team.
• Automates development processes using CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Maven, and Bitbucket.
• Develops and delivers training presentations on grid application enhancements.
• Contributes to development of tools and process improvements to enhance development efficiency.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for application, database, and system issues.
• Maintains and supports grid systems in development environments.
• Develop container-based solutions using tools like Docker and supported by orchestration platforms like Kubernetes for operational requirements where necessary.
• Designs and implements containerized microservices architectures for grid-based applications.
• Builds scalable, cloud-native solutions and data pipelines to support growing operational demands for high-performance reliable processing of large-scale systems
• Apply ERCOT approved Gen AI tools and standardized prompt engineering to improve quality of code and software deliverables.
• Utilize Machine learning frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Pandas etc. to embed AI capabilities in existing applications.
• Develops and deploys AI/ML models for advanced grid analytics, forecasting, and decision support.
• Conducts code reviews and approves changes made by other developers.
• Automates unit and regression testing for grid applications suite using scripts and tools like Selenium.
• Collaborates with grid engineering, systems support, grid operations, training, and network modeling teams to provide technical support for grid applications suite
• Collaborates with project management to ensure successful delivery of enhancements and upgrades.
• Ensures compliance of grid application suite with ERCOT architectural standards and employs SDLC processes in all projects.
• May train, mentor, and oversee other developers.
• Engages with market participants, ERCOT representatives, and vendors to deliver solutions aligned with ERCOT Electricity market needs.

Level Senior - Above + Develop enterprise-level applications and integration solutions.

• Defines architecture for cloud-native adaptation of existing grid applications and implementation of new applications.
• Drives adoption of containerization and microservices where deemed necessary to meet operational needs.
• Leads AI/ML strategy and implementation for grid applications and analytics.
• Oversees all phases of the software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, and integration.
• Advocates and aligns business requirements for GMS grid applications and user interfaces to ensure development of effective and user-focused solutions.
• Provides technical training and presentations for product solutions related to grid applications.
• Advises management on technical strategy and development goals of the GMS Technology Development team.
• Works closely with project management team to establish project delivery plan and ensures successful delivery of initiatives.
• Guides teams across the organization to ensure high-quality product delivery.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert, providing guidance to junior team members and supporting their development through mentoring, training, coaching, and, when needed, coordinating work assignments.
• Solves moderately complex technical issues requiring in-depth analysis and innovative approaches.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills to convey team goals effectively.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Level 3: Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Senior Level: Requires minimum 5 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS) or Market Management Systems (MMS) platforms from vendors in the electric industry like GE, Siemens, Hitachi Energy/ABB, OSI, Resource Innovations
• Power industry experience either with an ISO, utilities, or vendors
• Experience designing and developing solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and hybrid architectures
• Programming in C, C++, Java, Python, Perl, or Fortran
• Oracle PL/SQL experience
• Experience with commercial Optimization solvers like CPLEX, AMPL, Gurobi
• CIM/XML modeling and tools such as PSS/E
• Experience with developing integration layers using Messaging Services: Tibco JMS, AMQ
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) for scalable and resilient deployments
• Experience applying AI/ML techniques and data analytics for forecasting, anomaly detection, and operational insights

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field (Required)
• Master's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field (Preferred)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management
• Remote work is required to be performed from your Texas residence.
• Employees may opt to work on-site more than required or 100% of the time

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT. Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-MH1, #LI-Hybrid

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range:

$120,000 - $165,000