Planning Engineer, Sr.

ERCOT; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 99,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT seeks a System Planning Engineer to provide electrical engineering analysis and support for the Texas power grid. The role involves designing steady-state analyses, improving transmission planning processes, and mentoring junior engineers. This hybrid position requires collaboration and technical expertise in power system software.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-5 years experience as a power system engineer.
• Experience in the electric utility industry preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and dynamic contingency analysis.
• Develop tools and procedures for system monitoring.
• Provide technical support for electric power system operations.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Power Flow Modeling

Dynamic Stability Analysis

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSSE

VSAT

Powerworld

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.

As a system planning engineer at ERCOT, you will enter a collaborative place to influence and shape the future design of the electric power grid while developing your engineering and leadership skills. Our world class system planning teams work creatively to perform steady-state and dynamic contingency analysis using the most advanced power flow models.

JOB SUMMARY

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.

• Designs and performs steady-state analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, 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.
• Knowledge about dynamic stability analysis is a plus

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department
• Makes independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios
• Works on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Has the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• May coordinate, provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants and industry Regulatory agencies
• Fosters and leverages strong working relationships with team and other internal departments
• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager
• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies
• Demonstrates skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices

Work Experience Required

Engineer 2

• Minimum 1 to 2 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role.
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.

Engineer 3

• Minimum 3 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role.
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.

Senior Engineer

• Minimum 5 years experience as a power system engineer or similar type 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.

Position is open to a level 2, level 3, or Senior Planning Engineer depending on experience of the candidate identified.

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.

#LI-Hybrid, #LI-JM1

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:

$99,111 - $168,446