EMS Applications Developer Sr.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is seeking a software developer to design and develop applications for Electric Power Grid systems. The role encompasses developing optimization models, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and utilizing cloud technologies.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field, with 3 to 5 years of experience, focusing on software solutions for energy management. The expected salary ranges from $120,000 to $165,000, requiring in-person work at least two days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience for Level 3, 5 years for Senior Level.
• Experience with cloud environments (AWS, Azure) preferred.
• Commercial optimization solvers for analytical insights.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for Electric Power Grid applications.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements.
• Develop optimization models using solvers.

Skills

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

Knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Optimization techniques (CPLEX, AMPL)

CI/CD processes (Jenkins, Maven)

Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)

Education

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

Master's Degree in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Oracle PL/SQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather and understand functional and non‑functional requirements for grid applications.
• Design, develop, and test grid applications and interfaces using programming languages such as Fortran, C/C++, Java, Perl, and Python in Windows and Linux environments.
• Design, develop, and test backend database changes using Oracle PL/SQL.
• Support EMS upgrade projects by migrating custom ERCOT code to upgraded EMS systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of linear and nonlinear optimization techniques and understand formulation of optimization objective functions used in grid applications, e.g., SCOPF and SCUC.
• Develop optimization models incorporating various constraints using solvers like CPLEX and AMPL.
• Analyze grid operations and congestion management requirements and develop 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.
• Collaborate with the Network Modeling team on CIM data modeling, design CIM importer schema changes and develop EMS CIM Importer solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Voltage and Transient Stability Analysis (VSAT/TSAT) in collaboration with Powertech.
• Design and implement IRR (wind/solar) forecast requirements using Siemens WebSDK‑based tools such as Forecast Presentation Platform.
• Deploy, configure, integrate and test vendor software releases that include GE EMS, Siemens NMMS, Powertech DSATools, EPG PMU/RTDMS and Itron MetrixIDR.
• Provide timely resolution of critical production issues as part of a 24x7 Level2 support team.
• Automate development processes using CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Maven, and Bitbucket.
• Develop and deliver training presentations on grid application enhancements.
• Contribute to the development of tools and process improvements to enhance development efficiency.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for application, database, and system issues.
• Maintain and support grid systems in development environments.
• Develop container‑based solutions using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes for operational requirements where necessary.
• Design and implement containerized microservices architectures for grid‑based applications.
• Build 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 code quality and software deliverables.
• Utilize machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Pandas to embed AI capabilities in existing applications.
• Develop and deploy AI/ML models for advanced grid analytics, forecasting, and decision support.
• Conduct code reviews and approve changes made by other developers.
• Automate unit and regression testing for grid applications using scripts and tools such as Selenium.
• Collaborate with grid engineering, systems support, grid operations, training, and network modeling teams to provide technical support for the grid application suite.
• Collaborate with project management to ensure successful delivery of enhancements and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance of the grid application suite with ERCOT architectural standards and employ SDLC processes in all projects.
• May train, mentor, and oversee other developers.
• Engage with market participants, ERCOT representatives, and vendors to deliver solutions aligned with ERCOT Electricity market needs.

Senior‑Level Responsibilities

• Develop enterprise‑level applications and integration solutions.
• Define architecture for cloud‑native adaptation of existing grid applications and implementation of new applications.
• Drive adoption of containerization and microservices where deemed necessary to meet operational needs.
• Lead AI/ML strategy and implementation for grid applications and analytics.
• Oversee all phases of the software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, and integration.
• Advocate and align business requirements for GMS grid applications and user interfaces to ensure effective, user‑focused solutions.
• Provide technical training and presentations for product solutions related to grid applications.
• Advise management on technical strategy and development goals of the GMS Technology Development team.
• Work closely with project management to establish project delivery plans and ensure successful delivery of initiatives.
• Guide teams across the organization to ensure high‑quality product delivery.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert, providing guidance to junior team members and supporting their development through mentoring, training, coaching, and assigning work as needed.

Qualifications

• Required experience: Level3 – minimum 3years of job‑related work experience beyond degree requirements; Senior Level – minimum 5years of job‑related work experience beyond degree requirements.
• Preferred experience: Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS) or Market Management Systems (MMS) from vendors such as GE, Siemens, Hitachi Energy/ABB, OSI, Resource Innovations, or similar; 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; Commercial optimization solvers such as CPLEX, AMPL, or Gurobi; CIM/XML modeling and tools such as PSS/E; Integration layers using messaging services (Tibco JMS, AMQ); Containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes); AI/ML techniques and data analytics for forecasting, anomaly detection, and operational insights.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• Master’s Degree preferred in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Location and Work Arrangement

Work location: Taylor, TX. Employees are required to be on‑site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of two days per week. Remote work may be performed from a Texas residence, but employees may opt to work on‑site more than required or 100% of the time per business needs.

Salary

Expected salary range: $120,000 - $165,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.