Operations Engineer Lead

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is seeking an Ancillary Service and Operations Analytics Engineer to support the real-time operations of the electric power grid. This hybrid position in Taylor, TX requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 8 years of relevant experience.

Key responsibilities include conducting engineering analysis, providing technical support for system modeling, and enhancing departmental efficiencies. The expected salary range is $144,000 - $198,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of job-related experience, exceeding degree requirements.
• Experience as a power system engineer or in a similar role.
• Previous experience in the electric utility industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering analysis and technical support for electric power grid operations.
• Work with the Energy Management System for load frequency control tuning.
• Participate in teams to develop tools that enhance system reliability.

Skills

Power system engineering

Data analysis (Python, SQL, VBA, Matlab)

Electrical Engineering principles

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Working in Grid Operations at ERCOT provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the real-time operations of the electric power grid while developing your engineering and leadership skills. An Ancillary Service and Operations Analytics Engineer provides engineering analysis and technical support to ensure continuing reliable operations of the electric power grid in compliance with NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Market Guides. Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the ERCOT system, performs system studies, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations. Engineers on this team will focus on working with our Energy Management System specifically with tuning and support of Load Frequency Control, Resource Limit Calculator, and Generation to be Dispatched. Additional analysis include system frequency control performance, Generator, Intermittent Renewable Resource (IRR), Energy Storage Resource (ESR) and price responsive load monitoring, and Ancillary Service (AS) quantification. Additionally, working with Market Participants in establishing new Nodal Protocol and Operating Guide Revisions as our grid evolves with changing resource mix, load growth and electrification of the grid.

Job Duties

• Understand 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.
• Works under the direction of a senior level engineer or supervisor/manager to complete departmental goals and assignments.
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures.
• Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies.
• Under direct supervision, participates in teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies.
• May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of other engineers/analysts.
• May act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.
• Typically works independently on assignments and projects.
• Participates in multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies.
• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies.
• Participates with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed.

Experience Required

• Requires minimum 8 years job related experience in excess of degree requirements.
• Experience as a power system engineer or similar type role is required for upper level positions.
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.
• Experience in data analysis/analytics and working with large data sets/relational databases is preferred (eg Python, SQL, VBA, Matlab).

Education Required

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

Work Location

This position is Hybrid. Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 2-3 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. Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

Salary Range

Expected Salary Range: $144,000 - $198,000

Benefits

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.