Hourly Trader

ACES; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ACES seeks a real-time grid operations professional to manage generation dispatch and load obligations across PJM and SERC markets from a Raleigh-area base. You will balance reliability with cost efficiency by coordinating with ISO/RTO markets, bilateral counterparties, and generation facilities.

Responsibilities include real-time dispatch, unit data maintenance, and execution of energy transactions in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment. Strong analytical skills and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in business or related field or assoc degree with power trading experience.
• Experience with data analysis, price negotiation, and customer service is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and analytical tools.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Real-time generation dispatch and unit control across PJM/SERC portfolios.
• Primary decision-maker for SERC portfolio operations and load obligations.
• Execute bilateral energy transactions and manage positions for balance and economics.
• Maintain unit data (limits, ramp rates, outages, offers) reflecting real-time conditions.
• Coordinate with generation plants, counterparties, and reliability entities.

Skills

Real-time grid operations

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team coordination

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Tools

ACES systems

eMKT

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

This position is responsible for the real-time operational management and balancing of generation resources and native load obligations for participating members and customers across both PJM and SERC markets. The role is focused on maintaining electric grid reliability while actively managing portfolio positions through coordination with ISO/RTO markets, bilateral counterparties, generation facilities, and reliability entities.

In addition to PJM operations, this role includes direct responsibility for SERC market portfolio management, where the trader serves as the primary decision-maker for dispatching generation resources and meeting load obligations in a cost-efficient manner. This includes optimizing unit dispatch, executing bilateral transactions, and managing system positions to balance reliability requirements with economic performance.

Responsibilities include generation dispatch, unit parameter and offer management within PJM systems, bilateral trading and dispatch decisions within SERC, load obligation fulfillment, transmission coordination, and execution of energy transactions required to maintain system balance and meet contractual and regulatory requirements. This role operates in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment where decisions are driven by system reliability, operational constraints, and disciplined portfolio management—not speculative trading.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work rotating shifts to provide 24-hour coverage supporting real-time grid operations and reliability
• Perform real-time generation dispatch and unit control activities across PJM and SERC portfolios
• Serve as the primary decision-maker for SERC portfolio operations, including dispatching units and managing load obligations in a cost-efficient manner
• Execute bilateral energy transactions and manage positions within SERC to ensure portfolio balance and economic optimization
• Perform unit parameter and offer management within PJM systems (e.g., eMKT)
• Maintain and update unit data such as limits, ramp rates, outage status, and offer structures to accurately reflect real-time operating conditions
• Balance generation and load positions to ensure reliable service and fulfillment of native load obligations across all markets
• Execute energy transactions as needed to maintain balanced positions and meet system and contractual requirements
• Monitor PJM dispatch signals, SERC system conditions, market dynamics, and transmission constraints to support accurate dispatch and decision-making
• Coordinate with generation plants, member operators, counterparties, and reliability entities to communicate system conditions and execute required actions
• Manage system positions to minimize imbalances and maintain compliance with ISO/RTO requirements, bilateral agreements, and operating limits
• Coordinate demand-side management activities in response to changing system conditions
• Accurately input and maintain operational data within ACES systems to support real-time and downstream processes
• Interface with internal teams including Portfolio Strategy, Modeling, IT, Settlements, and Regulatory to support coordinated operations
• Assist in gathering and interpreting market and system intelligence relevant to operational planning, reliability, and portfolio optimization
• Maintain strong working relationships with members, clients, and external operators to ensure effective coordination
• Adhere to all ACES corporate policies and comply with regulatory requirements including NERC, FERC, PJM, SERC, and applicable state regulations
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or an Associate’s degree with applicable power trading experience from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.
• Previous business experience preferred to include price negotiation, data analysis and customer service.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computers, specifically Microsoft Excel.
• Competence with mathematics and technical concepts.
• High degree of analytical, attention to detail and organization skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and familiarity with ACES systems
• Application and use of critical thinking skills.