Power Systems Engineer 2 - Grid Analysis

ERCOT; Taylor (TX); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Retirement plan

Job summary

ERCOT in Taylor, TX seeks a Grid Analysis Engineer to support the reliability of Texas’ electric power grid. You will perform steady-state analyses, develop models, and support market and reliability initiatives with advanced power-system tools.

Responsibilities include CMP/RAS studies, regional transfer risk assessments, and improving grid reliability while mentoring junior engineers. On-site at least two days per week with remote work from a Texas residence; salary range $87,000–$120,000.

Qualifications

• Power-flow simulations and steady-state analyses of the electric grid.
• Experience with power-system modeling tools and reliability studies.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; graduate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform power-flow simulations to evaluate CMPs and RASs using PowerWorld, PSSE, VSAT, and similar tools.
• Conduct regional power transfer analyses to identify wide-area cascading risks.
• Develop and maintain ERCOT’s Black Start Plan and restoration procedures.
• Evaluate generator and transmission equipment against reliability requirements and forecast future needs.
• Propose improvements and rule changes to enhance grid reliability.
• Engage with stakeholders and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Power-flow analysis

Programming

Power system engineering

Mentoring

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Graduate Degree: Electrical Engineering (Preferred)

Tools

PowerWorld

PSSE

VSAT

Job description

Taylor, TX

Full time

R2122

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.

As a Grid Analysis engineer at ERCOT, you will enter a collaborative place to influence and shape the reliability of the electric power grid while developing your engineering and leadership skills. Our world class operations teams work creatively to perform steady-state analysis using the most advanced power flow models and support ERCOT stakeholders in crafting requirements to reliability integrate new technologies.

Responsibility of the Grid Analysis includes, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform power-flow simulations to evaluate Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and Remedial Action Schemes (RASs) using tools such as PowerWorld, PSSE, VSAT, etc.

• Perform regional power transfer analysis to identify potential wide-area cascading risks.

• Develop and maintain ERCOT’s Black Start Plan from resource selection to the restoration plan.

• Evaluate current performance of generator and transmission equipment against the reliability requirements and forecast future requirement needs.

• Propose and implement improvements which may include rule/requirement changes to maintain the reliability of the future grid.

JOB SUMMARY

Provide electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the operations of the electric power system. Implement appropriate system modeling, develop tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, perform system studies, analyze simulated or actual operating results, develop solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately report findings and recommendations.

• Design and perform steady-state analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, or PowerWorld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.

• Assist in providing input and analyses from the operations perspective on market/protocol design issues to support other activities.

• Structure appropriate operations studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and regional power transfer interfaces.

• Help develop improvements to maintain reliability of the electric system.

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department.

• Make independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios.

• Work on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

• Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.

• May coordinate, provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel and Market Participants.

• Foster and leverage strong working relationships with team and other internal departments.

• Lend professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager.

• Act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.

• Lead multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies.

• Demonstrate skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs.

• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.

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 Engineer

• Minimum 5 years experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.

EDUCATION :

• Bachelor's Degree: 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.

• Graduate Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field (Preferred).

CERTIFICATION :

• PE (Professional Engineer) license is preferred but not required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Power-flow simulation experience.

• Programming or scripting experience.

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

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

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:

$87,000 - $120,000

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.

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 (https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2023/11/29/Benefits-Highlights-2024.pdf) , 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 (https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2019/09/23/ERCOT_401K_Sept_2019_FINAL.pdf) are available to help employees plan for the future.

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.

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.

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‑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.

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.