Sr. Generation Dispatcher, Real Time Desk

Alpha Generation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AlphaGen in Houston, TX, seeks a Sr. Generation Dispatcher for its Real Time Desk to oversee the real-time dispatch of generation assets within PJM.

You will coordinate with PJM system operators, plant personnel, and transmission providers to balance resources with load, ensuring reliability and regulatory compliance. The role requires 10+ years of dispatch experience, strong knowledge of grid operations, and proficiency with SCADA/EMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience will be strongly considered.
• 10+ years of experience in generation dispatch or PJM market operations.
• Strong knowledge of power generation, grid operations, and real-time balancing.
• Proficiency with SCADA, EMS, and dispatch software platforms.
• Familiarity with PJM dispatch protocols, LMP pricing, and regulatory standards.
• Superior analytical and problem‑solving skills for situational awareness.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure in real-time operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
• NERC System Operator Certification may be required; PJM Generation certification within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and dispatch AlphaGen’s real-time generation assets to meet system demand and market commitments.
• Align dispatch with PJM instructions and market schedules.
• Execute dispatch instructions based on real-time conditions and optimization strategies within regulatory constraints.
• Coordinate with plant operators, PJM operators, and transmission providers for reliable operations.
• Maintain logs of dispatch activities, asset performance data, and PJM communications.
• Support demand response or system reductions as required.
• Ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards and PJM market rules.
• Participate in post-event analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Decision making under pressure

Real-time operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

SCADA

EMS

Dispatch software

Job description

Sr. Generation Dispatcher, Real Time Desk

Houston, TX

Position Overview

Reporting to the Head of Real Time Desk, the Senior Generation Dispatcher, PJM is responsible for overseeing the real‑time dispatch of AlphaGen’s generation assets within the PJM Interconnection. The Sr. Generation Dispatcher coordinates with internal stakeholders, PJM system operators, plant personnel, and transmission providers to balance AlphaGen’s generation resources with load requirements, maintaining system reliability, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and optimizing generation performance that is consistent with all PJM Interconnection market rules and NERC standards. The Sr. Generation Dispatcher will partner effectively with PJM system operators, cross‑functional AlphaGen teams, and plant operations to support AlphaGen’s delivery of safe, reliable, and economical energy.

Role and Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and dispatch AlphaGen’s real‑time generation assets—including thermal, peaking units, and renewables—to meet system demand and market commitments efficiently.
• Ensure alignment with PJM dispatch instructions and market schedules.
• Execute dispatch instructions based on real‑time system conditions, economic optimization strategies, and within compliance of regulatory constraints.
• Address PJM directives, responding as appropriate to PJM directives in a manner that is consistent with market requirements, conditions, and operational guidelines.
• Coordinate closely with plant operators, cross‑functional teams within AlphaGen, PJM operators, and transmission service providers to facilitate reliable generation operations.
• Promptly and effectively address system events, alarms, and other occurrences by initiating appropriate corrective measures that are consistent with operational guidelines.
• Perpetuate real‑time awareness of AlphaGen’s PJM asset availability, fuel limitations or other constraints, environmental prohibitors, performance deviations, and transmission congestion issues in real‑time operational systems.
• Communicate changes in generation availability, fuel constraints, or market conditions to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Keep an accurate log of dispatch activities, asset performance data, and communication from PJM consistent with compliance requirements and AlphaGen protocols.
• Assist in the implementation of demand response or system reductions as required.
• Ensure continuous compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, including NERC reliability standards and ISO/RTO market rules.
• Take active participation in post‑event analysis, operational reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Must be able to work a rotating shift schedule to ensure operational coverage 24/7.

Professional Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Energy Systems, Power Plant Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred. Relevant experience in lieu of degree will be strongly considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in generation dispatch, or PJM market operations.
• Strong knowledge of power generation principles, grid operations, and real‑time system balancing.
• Proficiency with SCADA, EMS, and dispatch software platforms.
• Familiarity with PJM dispatch protocols, LMP pricing, and operational compliance standards.
• Superior analytical, problem‑solving, and other skills that drive excellent situational awareness.
• Possesses the demeanor to make sound decisions while potentially under pressure in a real‑time operations setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call‑ins.
• NERC System Operator Certification (or ability to obtain within a defined period) may be required based on jurisdiction.
• Must be PJM Generation certified or willing to attain this specific certification within 1 year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AlphaGen is an equal opportunity employer.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable regulations.