Power Systems Modeling Engineer

ERCOT; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT seeks a Power Systems Planning Modeling Engineer to build and validate transmission models used in real time operations and planning. You’ll work on steady state, short circuit, and geomagnetic disturbance models with SSWG and SPWG, coordinate data submissions, and develop tools to automate validation and data exchange.

You will maintain generation modeling tools in Python and C#, review data from resource entities, and collaborate across departments to ensure accurate modeling for the

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Experience with software development in Python, Java, or C# is required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develops steady state and geomagnetic disturbance models with the SSWG using MOD and PSS/E.
• Develops short circuit models with SPWG using ASPEN One-liner.
• Coordinates model and data submission processes, validates data, and produces planning data products.
• Develops and validates modeling data and interfaces with SPWG/SSWG.
• Maintains generation modeling tools in Python and C#; reviews Large Load data.

Skills

Python

Java

C#

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Git/Bitbucket

Jira

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.

As a Power Systems Planning Modeling Engineer you will develop transmission system models used in both real time operations and in transmission planning. These models support the delivery of power to everyone in the ERCOT grid and the planning of billions of dollars of transmission system projects. You will be joining a team that performs industry leading power systems modeling and model management. In power systems modeling you will develop steady state, short-circuit, and geomagnetic disturbance planning models in conjunction with ERCOT transmission service providers. You will also help improve system modeling processes and develop software tools to manage and validate model data. Good communication skills will be needed as this role will involve working with numerous internal and external stakeholders to build transmission system models.

Additional Job Duties

Planning Model Development

• Develops steady state and geomagnetic disturbance models with the Steady State Working Group (SSWG) using Model On Demand (MOD) and PSS/E
• Develops short circuit models with the System Protection Working Group (SPWG) using ASPEN One-liner
• Coordinates the model and contingency building processes for SSWG and SPWG, ensuring transmission service providers (TSPs) submit data, validates data submissions, resolves modeling issues, performs generation modeling and dispatching, and produces data products for the planning models
• Works with the SPWG and SSWG on data exchange methods and interfaces
• Develops new and updated modeling methodologies
• Develops methods to validate transmission models and modeling data

Generation and Load Modeling

• Reviews generator and transmission equipment data submitted by resource entities and works with resource entities to correct invalid model data
• Models transmission generation sites and distributed generation resources in the ERCOT planning models using PSS/E and ASPEN
• Maintains and develops generation modeling tools written in Python and C#
• Models co-located Large Loads and reviews Large Load data in planning models

Modeling Application Support

• Manages transmission system model software infrastructure and develops tools to assist in managing transmission models which includes database infrastructure, model data exchange interfaces, and data export formats
• Develops and maintains modeling software tools in Java, C#, Python to validate transmission network and generator data submissions using electrical engineering principles by doing data comparison and validity checks, and to automate and perform system modeling
• Develops rules to validate data submissions in operations and planning models using SQL
• Manage projects to upgrade the MOD applications to implement desired new functionality, reviews system patches, and helps administers servers

Other Responsibilities

• Provides training and mentoring of members of the Engineering Development Program (EDP)
• Works closely with ERCOT Network Model Maintenance, Network Model Coordination, Resource Integration, System Operations, System Planning, Forward Markets, Client Services, and Grid Applications Development
• Reviews, drafts, and presents changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for EDP and for Market Participants (MPs), and other supporting ERCOT documents related to system modeling
• Reviews changes to NERC standards to assess if changes to modeling methodologies are needed
• Works with the Network Data Support Working Group (NDSWG) members on operational model data exchange and transmission network model maintenance in NMMS in relation to planning model data

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.

Required Skills

• Has experience with developing and maintaining software at least one of the following programming languages or equivalent: Python, Java, or C#

Preferred Skills

• Has experience with at least one of the following power system simulators or equivalent: PowerWorld, PSS/E, ASPEN One-liner
• Has experience with transmission system protection and building short-circuit cases
• Has transmission planning experience
• Has experience with SQL
• Has experience with software tools like Git/BitBucket and Jira
• Has strong communication skills
• Able and comfortable with working independently, managing projects, and stakeholder groups

Required Experience

• Level 2: Requires minimum 1 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Level 3: Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Sr level: Requires minimum 5 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements.

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. Employees are required on-site during tight grid conditions or emergency grid operations
• 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. Hybrid

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

$71,000 - $98,000