Generation Interconnection Engineer

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At ERCOT, the Generation Interconnection Engineer coordinates the integration of generation and energy storage resources into the ERCOT System, from the initial Generation Interconnection or Change Request (GINR) application through approval for commercial operations. The role supports reliable integration in compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, the Planning Guide, and Operating Guides. Work includes security screening studies; review and approval of Full Interconnection Study (FIS) scopes and reports, Reactive Study reports, and Standard Generation Interconnection Agreements (SGIAs); and review and approval of modeling data throughout the interconnection process. The engineer also supports modeling generation resources in the Network Model Management System (NMMS), reviews commissioning plans and checklists, and reviews commissioning test data, including AVR/PSS and reactive tests. The position works closely with Market Participants and multiple ERCOT teams, develops and maintains tools to automate studies and review processes, and helps improve interconnection and modeling processes. It may be filled at Engineer 2 or Engineer 3 level depending on the candidate's experience. The role is based in Taylor, Texas, with on-site work required at least two days per week or more as business needs dictate. Remote work must be performed from the employee's Texas residence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent knowledge through a combination of education and experience.
Engineer 2: 1 to 2 years of progressively responsible power system engineering or similar experience beyond degree requirements.
Engineer 3: At least 3 years of progressively responsible power system engineering or similar experience beyond degree requirements.
Senior Engineer: At least 5 years of related work experience beyond degree requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to manage time and prioritize effectively.
Ability to work independently on assignments and projects.

Nice To Haves

Power systems background.
Experience within the electric utility industry.

Responsibilities

Manage the integration of generation and energy storage resources from initial application through approval for commercial operations.
Ensure interconnections maintain ERCOT System reliability and comply with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, the Planning Guide, and the Operating Guides.
Work with Market Participants, including Interconnecting Entities, Resource Entities, Distribution Service Providers, and Transmission Service Providers.
Coordinate with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning, and Metering.
Review and process generation interconnection and Full Interconnection Study applications.
Perform security screening studies to determine first-contingency incremental transfer capability for each interconnection request.
Attend FIS kickoff meetings and work with Market Participants and ERCOT departments to resolve project issues.
Review and approve Reactive Study reports, FIS scopes and reports, and SGIAs.
Review and approve modeling data for all phases of interconnection and support Network Modeling in adding generation resources to the NMMS model.
Review Commissioning Plans and Energization, Synchronization, and Commissioning checklists.
Review commissioning testing data, including AVR/PSS and reactive tests.
Develop and maintain tools to automate studies, reviews, and other processes.
Provide training to less experienced engineers.
Review, draft, and implement improvements to interconnection and modeling processes.
Review, draft, and present changes to Protocols, Guides, procedures, training materials, and other ERCOT documents related to modeling.