Power System Engineer

ERCOT; Taylor (TX); On-site; USD 89,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT in Texas is seeking a power system engineer to contribute to the planning and reliability of the state’s electric grid. You will perform steady-state and dynamic analyses, develop production cost models, and collaborate across teams to improve planning processes and market design inputs.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, with Level 2–3 experience in power systems. Preference is given to candidates with utility industry exposure and scripting skills such as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required.
• Level 2 requires 1+ year experience; Level 3 requires 3+ years in power systems.
• Experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using PSSE/VSAT/TSAT/Powerworld.
• Design and perform production cost modeling studies (UPLAN) for economic planning.
• Assist in reliability improvements and market/protocol design input.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to support studies and tool development.
• Support transmission planning analyses and implementation of system changes.

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PSSE

VSAT

TSAT

Powerworld

PSCAD

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.

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

• Level 2 Requirements: Minimum 1 year experience as a power system engineer or similar type role in excess of degree requirements
• Level 3 Requirements: Minimum 3 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)

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.

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

$89,000 - $122,000