Planning Engineer Sr

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Long/short-term disability insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

401(k) plan

Job summary

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is hiring an Engineering Analyst to provide technical support for the electric power grid operations. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in power system engineering with a focus on compliance and system reliability.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and experience with power system simulation tools. The salary range is competitive, with hybrid working conditions in Taylor, TX.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a power system engineer or similar role.
• Experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering analysis and technical support for the electric power grid.
• Conduct steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses.
• Assist in developing tools for system reliability.

Skills

Power system analysis

Dynamic stability analysis

Modeling tools (PSSE, TSAT, Powerworld)

Programming (Python)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

PSSE

Powerworld

TSAT

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

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

• Understands the basic principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and learns how to apply them within the ERCOT culture.
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.
• Contributes to specific objectives and outcomes as directed.
• Designs and performs steady‑state and dynamic contingency analyses using power flow 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Required Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience as a power system engineer or similar type role in excess of degree requirements. Experience within the electric utility industry preferred (both levels). 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; 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 in Electrical Engineering or related field (Required) or equivalent education/experience providing comparable knowledge.
• Certification: PE Professional Engineer (Preferred).

Location

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.

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, life insurance
• Long/short‑term disability insurance
• Long‑term care insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Savings Plan
• 401(k) plan

Salary

Expected Salary Range: $109,000 - $150,000

The forthcoming description reflects the minimum qualifications and 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.