Market Operations Engineer - Demand Response (Hybrid)

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Electric Reliability Council of Texas seeks a data‑driven professional to monitor the wholesale electricity market, validate models, and develop analytical tools forLoad Resource participation. You will interact with Market Participants and ERCOT stakeholders to resolve issues and support market operations.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; strong SQL, Python, Excel and PowerPoint skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of wholesale market operations and energy markets is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor wholesale market and system conditions; support grid operations.
• Prepare and validate models of electric power systems.
• Develop data analysis tools and market reports as requested.
• Collaborate with Market Participants, PUCT, and stakeholders.
• Assist in testing and qualification of Load Resources for ERCOT.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

SQL proficiency

Python

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering

Education/experience combination equivalent

Tools

SQL

Python

Excel

PowerPoint

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.

Job Description Summary

Work with interested Loads (potential Market Participants) through the registration / qualification / testing to become a Load Resource/Market Participant capable of providing ancillary services at ERCOT. In this position, you will be utilizing SQL to run queries and Excel to analyze operational data pertaining to loads. You will be working directly with potential Market Participants communicating operational requirements as well as resolving performance issues. This role also requires forward-thinking awareness of evolving market and grid trends to anticipate how they may impact Demand Response participation.

Job Description

Monitors system conditions and market performance of the wholesale electricity market. Works closely with both internal and external stakeholders concerning issues related to the wholesale market construct within the ERCOT Protocols. Helps ensure consistency and stability of the market. Acquires the skills and knowledge to provide engineering and analytical support for the wholesale market and grid operations. Prepares and validates models of the electric power systems. Applies principles of electricity market theory to understand market behavior and outcomes. Investigates methods for data analysis to develop improved analytical tools. Generates and maintains market reports per requests and protocols. Assists the management team and senior experts in providing technical assistance to PUCT, industry and stakeholder groups. Recommends, reviews and tests proposed changes to the ERCOT wholesale market systems and design. Under supervision, helps to ensure all wholesale market activities have been successfully completed per protocols and works closely with Market Participants to resolve issues concerning wholesale market and grid operations. Attends stakeholder, industry, and PUCT meetings under the direction of the ERCOT management team Generates and maintains market reports per requests and protocols Proposes and creates new solutions for data acquisition and reporting Assists the management team and senior experts in providing technical assistance to PUCT, industry and Stakeholder groups Attends stakeholder, industry, and PUCT meetings and provides input when requested Uses judgment and provides remedies for Market Participants disputes within the ERCOT market Addresses Market Participant questions pertaining to the daily market and grid operations activities Works independently and escalates issues to the Supervisor and/or Manager in a timely manner when necessary Develops strong working relationships with other internal departments.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Level 1: Requires no minimum job related experience in excess of degree requirements
• Level 2: Requires minimum 1 year job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Level 3: Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Senior: Requires minimum 5 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge and experience in the field of Demand Response.
• Knowledge and experience working with electrical distribution systems (25 KV and under) and/or Distributed Energy Resources (DER’s).
• Experience facilitating revisions to Protocol and Other Binding Document language through internal processes, including project requirements, implementation, and testing.
• Performing Protocol, Other Binding Document, and general reporting audit functions.
• Demonstrates proficient technical skills with common business applications such as SQL, Python, EXCEL, and PowerPoint.
• Comfortable utilizing artificial intelligence tools to support analysis, reporting, or research tasks.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering (Required)
• Combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required.

WORK LOCATION

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX: Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at minimum 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management On-site schedules are flexible or may be rotated based on business needs as determined by the Manager 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.

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. #LI-IV1 and #Hybrid

Expected Salary Range: $125,000 - $172,000

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about 90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generating units. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas.

ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan. The medical, dental, vision, and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future.

The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path. Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an academic bachelors or post graduate degree program maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The ERCOT Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a 12- to 16-month, self-paced program geared toward entry-level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Through the program, an EDP Engineer receives one‑on‑one mentoring, specialized training, and exposure to the work performed by each of the engineering groups at ERCOT. The program allows engineers to develop the fundamental skills necessary to reach their full potential while gaining an understanding of the types of engineering work ERCOT has to offer. EDP management supports participants each step of the way as they progress through the program. Upon completion, graduates are placed as full‑time engineers within one of ERCOT’s engineering groups.

The GMS Development Program (GDP) is designed to provide entry‑level and early‑career professionals with the skills necessary to become successful Power System and Computer Engineers. The program, which is based in ERCOT’s Grid and Market Solutions (GMS) Department, will provide experience in day‑to‑day work and instruction in the fundamentals of electric power systems engineering, grid and market applications, software programming, and IT service and operations management. The GDP offers one‑on‑one mentoring, training, field trips, and special assignments. These assignments allow GDP engineers to become knowledgeable and familiar with the various business areas at ERCOT. The GMS leadership team prepares GDP engineers for a future career at ERCOT in power systems and computer engineering.

The System Operator Development Program (ODP) is intended to combine real‑time daily operations in an exciting work setting to prepare participants with the vital skills necessary to be successful in such a critical position — providing 24x7x365 on‑demand support to manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. If you are new to the industry, this program introduces you to the Bulk Electric System by combining introductory courses with the NERC Certification Exam Preparation Program in preparation to pass the NERC Certification Exam.