Real Time Power Engineer, Sr. - Shift

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 diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We accept and celebrate those that join us and recognize that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. A diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

Real Time Power Engineer provides engineering analysis and technical support to ensure continuing reliable operations of the electric power grid in compliance with NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Market Guides. Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system studies, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

Additional Job Duties

• Works closely with the ERCOT Control Room System Operators providing engineering support through execution of power flow studies, stability assessments, outage coordination support, system applications support, and troubleshooting of all software tools to maintain impeccable situational awareness
• Maintains high-quality, continuous execution of the online ERCOT State Estimator, Real-Time Contingency Analysis, and Voltage/Transient Stability Analysis tools
• Must be able to think and react quickly in a high-stress, high-urgency environment
• Performs independent engineering studies including power flow and stability analysis utilizing advanced applications
• Assesses grid conditions and recommends appropriate action based on engineering studies
• Develops and authors appropriate management plans for mitigation of temporary and ongoing grid vulnerabilities
• Identifies network model and applications quality issues and works with ERCOT support groups to resolve associated problems
• Assists with execution of ERCOT System Operations procedures and recommends improvements if needed
• Works side-by-side with ERCOT System Operators and in direct communication with ERCOT Market Participants to maintain reliability and security of the ERCOT Interconnection
• Gathers information and notifies ERCOT management and engineering support groups of noteworthy grid events and incidents
• Troubleshoots all situational awareness tools available to Control Room staff
• Logs information regarding grid conditions to continually track the status of the ERCOT Interconnection and highlight recurring concerns
• Supports the ERCOT Network Model database load process
• Processes off-hours ERCOT Outage Scheduler submissions as needed
• Prepares daily/regular reports to inform ERCOT departments of current grid status and recent developments
• Serves as subject matter expert for System Operations Support cross-training and project assistance
• Must be able to quickly develop proficiency with grid applications, particularly Alstom EMS Suite, Powertech DSATools, and ABB MMS Suite
• Expertise with MS Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel including macros and some VBA coding
  
  
  

Must be able to obtain NERC System Operator Reliability Certification within first 6 months of employment

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department
• Makes independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios
• Works on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Has the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• May coordinate, provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants and industry Regulatory agencies
• Fosters and leverages strong working relationships with team and other internal departments
• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager
• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies
• Demonstrates skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices
  
  
  

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry
• Willingness to work a rotating 12-hour shift, including nights and weekends
  
  
  

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

Preferred Experience

• Experience within the electric utility industry
• Experience with power flow analysis software. Examples include: Powerworld or PSSE
• Experience working with EMS (State Estimator, Realtime Contingency Analysis, Voltage and Transient Stability Analysis).
• Experience with any of the following: VBA, Python, SQL.
  
  
  

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)
• NERC System Operator Reliability Certification (Preferred)
  
  
  

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor and be on a shift schedule available to work weekends and holidays when scheduled.
  
  
  

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

$99,111 - $168,446