Planning Engineer Sr - Operations Stability

Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Taylor (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Long-term disability

Job summary

Electric Reliability Council of Texas seeks a power systems engineer to analyze and support planning and operations of the electric grid. Responsibilities include steady-state and dynamic analyses, tool development, and reporting of findings.

The role requires experience with PSSE/PSCAD/TSAT/VSAT and Python, with mentoring duties for junior staff. On-site in Texas with some remote work arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience as a power system engineer or similar role in the electric utility industry preferred.
• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using PSSE, PSCAD, TSAT or VSAT.
• Run scenarios, assess study accuracy, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Structure stability studies to determine system operating limits and report findings.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate with ERCOT stakeholders and internal teams.
• Develop and maintain tools and procedures to monitor and control the power system.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PSSE

PSCAD

TSAT/VSAT

Python

EMS

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operations of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system stability assessment, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system stability issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

JOB DUTIES

• Level 2 & 3: Designs and performs steady-state analyses and dynamic contingency analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, PSCAD, TSAT or VSAT) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.
• Runs appropriate scenarios and input variations to result in robust results, analyzes study accuracy and assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations.
• Structures appropriate stability studies to determine the system operating limits.
• Assists in the preparation of study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
• Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy.
• Typically works independently on assignments and projects.
• Senior Level: includes all of the above in addition to:
• 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.

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.

EXPERIENCE

• 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 level: Engineer, Sr. - Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry. Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE and TSAT) Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models, especially inverter based resources (IBRs) models Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python) Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards Experience with the Energy Management System (EMS)
• Position Level is open to an Engineer 2, Engineer 3, or Senior Engineer depending on the candidate's level of experience that is identified during the process.

WORK LOCATION

There are requirements in this role that will be required to be performed on-site. It is estimated that your business area will require this position to be on-site at least (2) days per week. Circumstances and business needs may require you to be on-site more often. On-site requirements are at the discretion of Management. Remote work schedules shall be performed within Texas. Log-ins during out of state business travel, and any temporary remote work arrangements that have been submitted and approved in Workday by HR.

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.

EEO STATEMENT

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

$110,000 - $151,000

BENEFITS

• 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.
• 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future.

ERCOT Internship Program

The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path. Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an academic bachelors or post graduate degree program maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Engineer Development Program (EDP)

The ERCOT Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a 12‑to‑16-month, self‑paced program geared toward entry‑level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Through the program, an EDP Engineer receives one‑on‑one mentoring, specialized training, and exposure to the work performed by each of the engineering groups at ERCOT. The program allows engineers to develop the fundamental skills necessary to reach their full potential while gaining an understanding of the types of engineering work ERCOT has to offer. EDP management supports participants each step of the way as they progress through the program. Upon completion, graduates are placed as full‑time engineers within one of ERCOT’s engineering groups.

GMS Development Program (GDP)

The GMS Development Program (GDP) is designed to provide entry‑level and early career professionals with the skills necessary to become successful Power System and Computer Engineers. The program, which is based in ERCOT’s Grid and Market Solutions (GMS) Department, will provide experience in day‑to‑day work and instruction in the fundamentals of electric power systems engineering, grid and market applications, software programming, and IT service and operations management. The GDP offers one‑on‑one mentoring, training, field trips, and special assignments. These assignments allow GDP engineers to become knowledgeable and familiar with the various business areas at ERCOT. The GMS leadership team prepares GDP engineers for a future career at ERCOT in power systems and computer engineering.

System Operator Development Program (ODP)

The System Operator Development Program (ODP) is intended to combine real‑time daily operations in an exciting work setting to prepare participants with the vital skills necessary to be successful in such a critical position — providing 24x7x365 on‑demand support to manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. If you are new to the industry, this program introduces you to the Bulk Electric System by combining introductory courses with the NERC Certification Exam Preparation Program in preparation to pass the NERC Certification Exam.

ERCOT Overview

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about 90 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 than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generating units. 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.