Power System Engineer - Electric Reliability Council of Texas

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. 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: $82,344 - $131,720 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, and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future. The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path. 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.