Planning Engineer Lead

ERCOT; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT seeks an experienced Engineer Lead to provide engineering analysis and technical support for the Texas power grid. You will develop models, run system studies, and report findings to management and stakeholders.

This role requires leadership, strong knowledge of PSSE/Powerworld/PSCAD, and a focus on reliability and NERC standards. The position is hybrid with on-site presence in Taylor, TX and opportunities to collaborate across ERCOT departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of power system engineering experience in the electric utility industry.
• Experience with large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools.
• PE license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the recognized technical expert for the department and collaborates with other ERCOT departments.
• Mentors engineers/analysts and provides oversight as required.
• Responds to inquiries and prepares reports for stakeholders and management.
• Lead projects and audits and communicate results to ERCOT Board and regulators.

Skills

Power system analysis

PSSE

TSAT

Powerworld

PSCAD

Python

NERC compliance

Leadership

Transmission planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

UPLAN

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 Summary

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 system, performs system studies, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

Job Duties

• Serves as the recognized technical expert for the department within and outside the organization
• Provides on-the-job training, mentoring or oversight of the work of other engineers/analysts as required
• Responds to executive and management inquiries and special reporting requests
• Collaborate with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed
• Communicate results of analyses to appropriate stakeholders, including maintaining regular communication with the management team, providing relevant information to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements
• Examines, analyzes, and determines efficiency improvements for departmental and organizational processes and procedures
• Serves as the departmental representative on cross-functional teams, proactively providing technical, business, and policy guidance
• Serves as quality assurance and best practices resource within and outside of the department
• Builds strong professional relationships both internally and externally. Networks with key contacts within and outside the electric utility industry
• Leads the work of projects and audits as assigned by management
• May prepare reports and presentations to stakeholder bodies, the ERCOT Board of Directors and regulatory agencies, including preparing testimony

Additional Job Duties

• Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, or Powerworld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management
• Designs and performs production cost modeling (UPLAN) studies to accomplish economic transmission planning under the direction of a senior level engineer or management
• Helps develop improvements to transmission planning and market forecasting processes
• Assists in providing input and analyses from the planning perspective on market/protocol design issues
• Assists in providing market simulation/forecasting and transmission planning analyses to support other activities
• Structures appropriate planning studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses
• 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

Required Experience

• Engineer Lead: Minimum 8 years experience as a power system engineer within the electric utility industry
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred (both levels)

Preferred Experience

• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE, TSAT, Powerworld)
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD), especially for large-scale system analysis
• Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models
• Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python)
• Experience assessing and mitigating sub-synchronous resonance issues
• Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards

EDUCATION

• 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

CERTIFICATION

• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred)

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

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.

Expected Salary Range

$144,000 - $198,000