Power Systems Modeling Engineer Sr

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ERCOT is seeking a Power Systems Planning Modeling Engineer to develop transmission system models for real-time operations and planning. The role involves creating steady state, short circuit, and geomagnetic disturbance models, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to improve modeling processes.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and experience with Python, Java, or C#.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is required.
• 1+ year of related experience for Level 2; 3+ years for Level 3; 5+ years for Sr level, post-degree.
• Experience in power systems modeling and software development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops steady state, short circuit, and geomagnetic disturbance models.
• Maintains generation modeling tools in Python and C#.
• Develops and maintains modeling software tools (Java, C#, Python) for validation and automation.
• Manages transmission system model software infrastructure and data exchange interfaces.
• Provides training and mentoring within ERCOT's engineering programs.

Skills

Python

Java

C#

Strong communication

Independent work

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

SQL

Git/BitBucket

Jira

Job description

Austin, TX

Full time

R2400

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. #LI- 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:

$109,000 - $150,000

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…

The ERCOT Internship Program provides…

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‑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.

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.