Planning Engineer Sr

Location: Taylor, TX

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

As a system planning engineer at ERCOT, you will enter a collaborative place to influence and shape the future design of the electric power grid while developing your engineering and leadership skills.  Our world class system planning teams work creatively to perform steady-state and dynamic contingency analysis using the most advanced power flow models. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operations of the electric power system.  Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system stability assessment, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system stability issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

Level 2 & 3:

• Designs and performs steady-state analyses and dynamic contingency analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, PSCAD) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.
• Runs appropriate scenarios and input variations to result in robust results, analyzes study accuracy and assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations.
• Structures appropriate stability studies to determine the system operating limits.
• Assists in the preparation of study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
• Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy.
• Typically works independently on assignments and projects

Senior Level: includes all of the above in addition to:

• 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.

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.

Work Experience Required

• 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 level: Engineer, Sr. - Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE and TSAT)
• Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models, especially inverter based resources (IBRs) models
• Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python)
• Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards
• Experience with the Energy Management System (EMS)

WORK LOCATION:

• There are requirements in this role that will be required to be performed on-site.  It is estimated that your business area will require this position to be on-site at least (2) days per week.  Circumstances and business needs may require you to be on-site more often.  On-site requirements are at the discretion of Management. 
• Remote work schedules shall be performed within Texas.  Log-ins during out of state business travel, and any temporary remote work arrangements that have been submitted and approved in Workday by HR.  

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. 

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: