Planning Engineer, Sr.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas seeks an experienced Power System Engineer to provide technical support and analysis to ensure the reliability of the Texas power grid. This role offers opportunities to work on complex engineering challenges, utilizing your expertise to enhance the reliability and efficiency of power systems while collaborating with a diverse team.

Benefits

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible Spending Account

Long/short-term disability insurance

Long-term care insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in power system engineering.
• Experience with powerflow models like PSSE and Powerworld preferred.
• Ability to mentor less experienced engineers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses.
• Provide technical support for electric power system planning.
• Develop tools for monitoring and control of the system.

Skills

Power system analysis

Technical support

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) certification

Tools

Power system simulation tools (PSSE, Powerworld)

Automation tools (Python)

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.

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

• Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using powerflow 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
• Help 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
• Understands and applies principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT's culture.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects.
• May respond to inquiries and/or provide assistance and/or guidance to lower-level workers.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• 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
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures
• Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies
• May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of other engineers/analysts
• May act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts
• Typically works independently on assignments and projects
• 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

Minimum 5 years experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry in excess of degree requirements

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

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 – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of 2 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

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.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than54,100miles of transmission lines and 1250 generatingunits. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT's members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities (transmission and distribution providers,) and municipal-owned electric utilities.

ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan.

The medical, dental, vision , and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future.