Planning Engineer Lead

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT, based in Texas, seeks a Lead Engineer to direct large-scale dynamic stability studies and provide technical leadership. You will develop and validate power system models, lead cross-functional teams, and advance automation in study workflows to improve grid reliability.

The role requires mentoring engineers, delivering clear technical deliverables, and communicating results to stakeholders while aligning with planning criteria and reliability standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in power system engineering or related field in electric utilities.
• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability studies with PSS/E/TSAT/PowerWorld.
• Familiarity with EMT concepts and resource performance assessment.
• Experience validating models and automating workflows with Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform large-scale dynamic stability studies to assess reliability.
• Analyze transient and voltage stability under various contingencies.
• Evaluate generator and inverter-based resources' dynamic performance.
• Develop study methodologies and analytical approaches for complex assessments.
• Support model development, validation, and tool automation.
• Communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Mentor engineers and analysts, guiding engineering work products.
• Improve dynamic study processes and planning methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with NERC standards and ERCOT planning requirements.

Skills

Power system analysis

Dynamic stability

Python scripting

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Tools

PSS®E

TSAT

PowerWorld

PSCAD

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

Performs advanced electrical engineering analysis and provides technical leadership in support of power system dynamic stability, reliability, and transmission planning activities. The primary focus of this position is the execution and leadership of large-scale dynamic stability studies, including the evaluation of generator performance, inverter-based resources, large load behavior, and overall system response under a wide range of operating conditions.

Develops and applies power system models, analytical methods, tools, and procedures to assess system reliability and performance. Conducts complex engineering studies, analyzes simulation results, identifies reliability risks, develops mitigation recommendations, and communicates technical findings to internal and external stakeholders. The Lead Engineer serves as a senior technical contributor, leading engineering assignments and supporting the development and continuous improvement of protocols, study processes, methodologies, and automation tools.

JOB DUTIES

• Lead and perform large-scale dynamic stability studies to evaluate system performance, reliability, and compliance with planning and operating criteria.
• Analyze transient, small-signal, and voltage stability performance of the ERCOT system under a variety of operating conditions and contingencies.
• Evaluate generator, inverter-based resource, and large load dynamic performance and their impacts on system reliability.
• Develop study assumptions, methodologies, and analytical approaches for complex dynamic performance assessments.
• Support the development, validation, maintenance, and application of power system dynamic models.
• Analyze simulation results, identify reliability concerns, and develop technically sound recommendations to mitigate system risks.
• Develop and enhance engineering tools, automation processes, and analytical workflows using Python or similar programming languages.
• Collaborate with internal teams, Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), Market Participants, consultants, and other stakeholders on system performance and planning issues.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management, stakeholders, and industry working groups.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and analysts and support the review of engineering work products.
• Support continuous improvement of dynamic study processes, modeling practices, and planning methodologies.
• Support compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT planning requirements.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in power system engineering, transmission planning, system performance analysis, or a related field within the electric utility industry.
• Extensive experience performing large-scale dynamic stability studies using industry-standard simulation tools such as PSS®E, TSAT, and/or PowerWorld.
• Familiarity with electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis concepts and applications.
• Experience conducting dynamic model validation, model quality testing, and performance assessments of generation resources and inverter-based resources.
• Extensive experience in the development and maintenance of flat-start cases used for dynamic stability studies.
• Experience analyzing large load dynamic behavior, including data centers, industrial facilities, and other emerging load types.
• Experience developing simulation automation tools and engineering workflows using Python or similar programming languages.
• Experience assessing power system stability issues, including oscillatory performance and sub-synchronous oscillations.
• Experience leading complex technical studies or cross-functional engineering projects.
• Working knowledge of transmission planning principles and applicable NERC Reliability Standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with ERCOT Protocol, Planning Guide, and Nodal Operating Guide.
• Experience using PSCAD tools for EMT analysis.
• Experience with inverter-based resource performance assessments and model validat