Planning Engineer Lead - Batch Stability Studies

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and life ins.

Disability insurance

Long‑term care insurance

Section 125 Flexible Spending Account

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Electric Reliability Council of Texas is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead batch stability screening and interconnection studies in Taylor, TX. You will perform stability analyses with PSSE/VSAT/PowerWorld, support NERC FAC-002 projects, and mentor junior staff.

You will design scenarios, validate models, and prepare technical reports for ERCOT and market participants, while advancing reliability and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• Experience performing stability studies and transmission planning assessments.
• Experience with large‑scale dynamic stability analyses using power system tools.
• Experience modeling large load dynamics and developing automation tools (Python).
• Familiarity with NERC reliability standards FAC‑002 and TPL.

Responsibilities

• Performs batch stability screening and analyzes stability under interconnection scenarios.
• Designs and performs stability assessments, including PV, angular and voltage stability, and short circuit analysis.
• Supports NERC FAC‑002 studies for Large Load interconnections.
• Runs scenarios, analyzes results, and prepares technical reports and recommendations.
• Mentors engineers and leads complex interconnection and reliability studies.

Skills

Stability studies

Python programming

Power system analysis

NERC FAC-002 knowledge

Transmission planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSSE

VSAT

TSAT

PowerWorld

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Performs Batch stability screening studies for Large Load interconnection and transmission improvements using power system simulation tools.
• Designs and performs stability assessments, including PV analysis, angular and voltage stability, and short circuit analysis, using simulation models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, PowerWorld, or related tools).
• Supports NERC FAC‑002 studies for Large Load interconnections.
• Runs scenarios and sensitivity analyses to ensure robust study results, analyzes study accuracy, and assists in formulating conclusions and recommendations.
• Reviews stakeholder reports and dynamic models to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy.
• Identifies stability constraints and assists in developing mitigation recommendations.
• Assists in preparing technical reports, presentations, and study documentation for ERCOT management, Market Participants, NERC, and other entities.
• Supports process improvements and automation efforts for planning and stability screening workflows.
• Assists market participants in updating and validating power system dynamic models.
• Manages multiple assignments and competing priorities.
• Committed to reliability, compliance, technical accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for Batch Zero stability screening.
• Makes independent decisions except in unusually complex engineering scenarios.
• Works on the most complex engineering issues requiring in‑depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Resolves complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Leads complex interconnection and reliability studies involving resources, Large Loads, and transmission system improvements.
• Coordinates, provides presentations, and participates in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants, Transmission Service Providers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Fosters strong working relationships with team members and other internal departments.
• Guides projects and helps teammates assigned by management.
• Mentors and advises less experienced engineers/analysts.
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments, and perform studies.
• Demonstrates expert skills with power system software applications and tools.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices related to system stability, interconnection studies, and reliability standards.
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Broadly applies advanced engineering principles with full‑depth expertise in transmission planning, stability analysis, and interconnection studies.
• Independently defines problem statements, study scope, and analytical approaches for complex, ambiguous issues where established procedures may not exist.
• Leads and delivers highly complex stability studies, exercising sound judgment in selecting methods, assumptions, and solution strategies.
• Provides technical recommendations on issues beyond standard practices, influencing project, program, or departmental outcomes.
• Serves as a recognized technical authority and primary point of contact, frequently engaging with Market Participants, TSPs, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Operates with wide latitude in decision‑making; work reviewed for alignment with objectives and outcomes.
• Works independently with minimal supervision; receives general direction on new or strategic assignments.
• Acts as a lead engineer and resource to senior and junior staff, guiding, reviewing, and directing technical work.
• Represents the organization in project leadership roles and high‑impact stakeholder or inter‑organizational forums.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required. Equivalent knowledge provided by a combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Work Experience: Minimum required years per level – Engineer2: 1 year, Engineer3: 3 years, EngineerSr.: 5 years, Lead: 8 years – all as power system engineer or similar role. Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.
• Preferred Work Experience:
  • Experience performing stability studies.
  • Experience supporting transmission planning assessments.
  • Experience conducting large‑scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools.
  • Experience analyzing large load dynamic behavior (e.g., data centers, industrial loads) and assessing system impacts.
  • Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python preferred).
  • Experience assessing and mitigating oscillatory or voltage stability issues.
  • Experience assisting in improvements to transmission planning and interconnection study processes.
  • Familiarity with NERC reliability standards, particularly FAC‑002 and TPL standards.

Work Location

Hybrid: Employees will be required to be on‑site in Taylor, TX at least 2–3 days per week, or more as needed. Remote work will be performed from your Texas residence. Employees may opt to work on‑site more than required or 100% of the time.

Salary

Expected Salary Range: $144,000 – $198,000.

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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance.
• Long‑term care insurance.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement Savings Plan, including 401(k).
• Other benefits listed in the employer’s benefits package.