Power System Network Model Engineer, Sr. - 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. 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. JOB DUTIES Understands and applies principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and ERCOT's culture. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Impact is generally limited to specific assignments or projects. May respond to inquiries and/or provide assistance and/or guidance to lower-level workers. ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES Analyzes transmission network data including Transmission and Generation element parameters Works closely with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning and Metering Works with EMS and Transmission Planning load flow, Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP), and other analysis software to provide accurate power system models and associated cases Supports detailed model changes delivered by Network Operations Model Change Requests (NOMCRs) and Planning Model Change Requests (PMCRs) to maintain an accurate Network Operations Model, Annual Planning and other models contained within the ERCOT modeling system Assists with the validation of the Network Model Management (NMMS) and Model On Demand (MOD) databases, testing of the models and associated power flows Creates and utilizes data mining mechanisms and techniques to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency Provides training and evaluation of members of the Engineering Development Program (EDP) Coordinates and works with the NDSWG (Network Data Support Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via the NOMCR process Coordinates and works with the SSWG (Steady State Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via the PMCR process Coordinates and works with the SPWG (System Protection Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via ASPEN and PSSE change files Reviews new technology implementations that affect the model, suggesting and implementing methods to accurately model these technologies Develops, maintains, and supports database infrastructure, model data exchange interfaces, and data export formats Manage updates and upgrades of NMMS and MOD applications to specify and implement desired new functionality Reviews and develops methods to increase model accuracy including data comparisons and validity checks Reviews Contingencies, Special Protection Systems, Remedial Action Plans, Mitigation Action Plans, Outages, and other issues that possibly affect models Reviews, drafts, and implements improvements to the modeling process Reviews, drafts, and presents changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for EDP and for Market Participants (MPs), and other supporting ERCOT documents relative to modeling Develops, enhances, and maintains reports associated with Protocol and Guide compliance criteria Provide comments and SME review of relevant NERC Standards up to and including participation on NERC Standard Drafting teams REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Level 2 Requirements: Minimum 1 year experience as a power system engineer or similar type role Level 3 Requirements: Minimum 3 years’ experience as a power system engineer or similar type role Senior Level Requirements: Minimum 5 years’ experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Experience within the electric utility industry preferred 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) 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-AK1 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 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.