Operations 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. ERCOT offers the flexibility to work both in and out of the office within the state of Texas, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance. Senior Operations 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. Grid Analysis focuses on the transmission-level Bulk Electric System (BES) and performs both statistical and power-flow simulation analysis to ensure the reliability of the grid. Responsibility of the Grid Analysis includes, but is not limited to the following: Approve or reject Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) based on the power-flow simulation results using tools such as EMS, PowerWorld, PSSE, etc. Facilitate the Black Start Resources (BSRs) procurement process and award resources every 3-years using the optimization engine. Coordinate Transmission Operator Black Start Plans and develop the ERCOT Black Start Plan. Analyze voltage control performance of electric equipment and coordinate with both Resource entities and Transmission entities to improve reliability. Correlate historical congestion and outages to improve market transparency. Support steady-state stability analysis and cascading analysis for Generic Transmission Constraints (GTCs) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs). 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 aid and/or guidance to lower-level workers. ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES 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. May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of other engineers/analysts May act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts Typically works independently on assignments and projects Participates in multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies Participates with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Minimum 5 years of experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE In depth knowledge of at least one but preferably several of the following software package: EMS, PowerWorld, PSSE, and PSLF. Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT. 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: This position is Hybrid. Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 1-2 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 Expected Salary Range: $99,111 - $168,446 Are you an ERCOT Employee? If so please log in to Workday to apply. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 24 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 52,700 miles of transmission lines and 1,100 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.