Planning Engineer Sr

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.; Texas; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) is seeking an experienced power systems engineer to provide analysis and technical support for the Texas electric grid.

The role involves modeling, studying contingencies, and developing tools for reliability and planning under supervision. You will work on dynamic stability analyses, market forecasting support, and transmission planning improvements, with on-site Taylor, TX requirements 2–3 days per week and remote options from Texas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a power system engineer or similar role; utility experience preferred.
• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provides engineering analysis and technical support to ensure reliable operations of the electric power grid in compliance with NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Market Guides.
• Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power flow models under supervision.
• Performs production cost modeling studies to accomplish economic transmission planning under supervision.

Skills

Power systems

Python

PSSE

PowerWorld

PSCAD

VSAT

TSAT

UPLAN

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSSE

VSAT

TSAT

PowerWorld

PSCAD

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• 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

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
• 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

• 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