Power System Engineer

Power System Engineer is responsible for coordinating the integration of generation and energy storage resources into the ERCOT System from the initial application for entry into the Generation Interconnection or Change Request (GINR) process to the approval for commercial operations. This responsibility will include performing security screening studies, reviewing and approving Full Interconnection Study (FIS) scope and study reports, review of the Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement (SGIA), review of compliance with ERCOT Planning Guides, Protocols and Market Rules, development and approval of modeling data for all phases of the interconnection, support for modeling the generation resource in the Network Model Management System (NMMS) model, Commissioning Plan review, approval of commissioning milestones such as Energization, Synchronization and Commercial Operations as well as Commissioning Testing review and approval.

JOB DUTIES

• Participates in teams to obtain input, address comments, and perform studies
• Manages the integration of generation and energy storage resources through the entire generation interconnection process from the initial application to the approval for the commercial operations.
• Ensures that the interconnection of generation and energy storage resources are accomplished in a manner that maintains the reliability of the ERCOT System and complies with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, Planning Guide, and the Operating Guides.
• Works closely with Market Participants (MPs), including Interconnecting Entities (IEs), Resource entities (REs), Distribution Service Providers (DSPs), Qualified Scheduling Entities (QSEs), Transmission Service Providers (TSPs) and Transmission Operators.
• Works closely with ERCOT System Operations, Network Model Coordination and Maintenance, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning and Metering.
• Performs security screening studies to determine first contingency incremental transfer capability for each interconnection request.
• Attends FIS kickoff meetings, communicates and works with MPs and other ERCOT departments to solve issues related to generation interconnection projects.
• Communicates generator interconnection or modification requirements to Market Participants.
• Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies
• Reviews and approves Reactive Study reports, FIS scope and reports, and SGIA.
• Reviews and processes generation interconnection and full interconnection study (FIS) applications.
• Reviews and approves modeling data for all phases of the interconnection process, supports Network Modeling to model the generation resource in the NMMS model.
• Reviews, drafts, and implements improvements to the interconnection and modeling process
• Reviews Commissioning Plan and Energization, Synchronization, and Commissioning checklists.
• Reviews commissioning testing data, including but not limited to AVR/PSS, and Reactive tests.
• Reviews, drafts, and presents changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for other engineers and for MPs, and other supporting ERCOT documents relative to modeling.
• Develops and maintains tools that automates the studies, reviews, and other processes.
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1 year experience as a power system engineer or similar type role
  (in excess of degree requirements)

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
• Understanding of generation and transmission equipment telemetry in power systems
• Ability to analyze power system study results
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• Some programming experience preferably with VBA, SQL, and/or Python

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field(s) (Required).
• Or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required.

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at minimum 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management.
• 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.

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, #LI-MH1

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: