Planning Engineer Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Job summary

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is seeking a System Planning Engineer for their team in Taylor, TX. In this role, you will be pivotal in shaping the future design of the electric power grid while performing steady-state and dynamic contingency analysis, providing technical support, and developing tools for effective system operation.

With qualifications ranging from 3 to 8 years based on the level of Engineer selected, the position offers a salary range of $144,000 to $198,000 depending on your experience.

ERCOT fosters an inclusive work environment, offering a comprehensive benefits package and options for hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years for Engineer 3 role; 5 years for Senior Engineer; 8 years for Lead Engineer.
• Experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state analyses using power flow models.
• Conduct Grid Reliability and Resiliency Assessments.
• Support ERCOT’s strategic initiatives from the planning perspective.
• Develop and implement new processes for the evolving grid.
• Act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers.

Skills

Power flow modeling

Engineering analysis

Technical support

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Powerworld

PSSE

UPLAN

Job description

Job Summary

As a system planning engineer at ERCOT, you will influence and shape the future design of the electric power grid while developing engineering and leadership skills. You will perform steady‑state and dynamic contingency analysis using advanced power flow models, provide electrical engineering analysis and technical support for planning and operation of the electric power system, implement system modeling, develop tools and procedures, perform system studies, analyze operating results, and report findings and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform steady‑state analyses using power flow models (Powerworld, PSSE, or VSAT).
• Conduct Grid Reliability and Resiliency Assessments, extreme temperature assessments, and special studies to ensure reliability of the ERCOT Transmission Grid.
• Support ERCOT’s strategic initiatives from the planning perspective.
• Develop and implement new processes to adapt to the fast‑evolving grid.
• Design and perform production cost modeling (UPLAN) studies for economic transmission planning.
• Assist with market simulation/forecasting and transmission planning analyses.
• Serve as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department.
• Make independent decisions except in unusually complex engineering scenarios.
• Handle complex engineering issues requiring in‑depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Coordinate presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, market participants, and regulatory agencies.
• Foster strong working relationships with the team and other internal departments.
• Lend professional expertise to guide projects and assist teammates assigned by managers.
• Act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.
• Lead multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments, and perform studies.
• Demonstrate expert user skills in power system software, spreadsheet programs, and database programs.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.

Experience

• Engineer 3 – Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role; experience within the electric utility industry preferred.
• Senior Engineer – Minimum 5 years of experience as a power system engineer or similar role within the electric utility industry.
• Lead Engineer – Minimum 8 years of experience as a power system engineer or similar role within the electric utility industry.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or a combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with knowledge equivalent to a major in such fields.

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 business requirements. Remote work must be performed from a Texas residence. Employees may opt for additional on‑site work.

Salary Range

$144,000 – $198,000

Benefits

ERCOT offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, short‑term disability, long‑term care insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan. Full‑time employees may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month following hire. A 401(k) plan is available.

EEO 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.

Employment Practices

Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment‑at‑will rights at any time.