Planning Engineer II - Economic Studies - 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. As a 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. 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. JOB SUMMARY Perform economic analysis and long-term reliability studies for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Implements and develops production cost models for the ERCOT systems, conducts comprehensive transmission planning analysis of the ERCOT System and evaluates the economic benefits of proposed transmission system upgrades, 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. Designs and performs production cost modeling (UPLAN) studies to accomplish economic transmission planning. Designs and performs steady-state contingency analyses using powerflow models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, or Powerworld) . Prepares near term and long-term transmission planning assessments in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Planning Guides. Leads and performs studies to provide recommendations on large scale transmission projects to meet reliability criteria and improve economic efficiency of the ERCOT System. Prepares reports and presents results to stakeholders. May provide on-the-job training or oversee the work of other developers. JOB DUTIES Planning Engineer Level 2 & 3 - Requirements: Works under the direction of a senior level engineer or supervisor/manager to complete departmental goals and assignments. 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. Under direct supervision, participates in teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies. 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. Senior Level Engineer – Requirements (above plus): 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 QUALIFICATIONS 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. MBA or graduate degree is preferred. 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 Engineer - Minimum 5 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. Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT. WORK LOCATION: This position is Hybrid. Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 2-3 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: $82,344 - $131,720 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.