Grid Interconnections Engineer 2

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

About The Position

Manages interconnection processes for stand-alone large loads, from initial application through energization, and for co-located projects (a Resource or Energy Storage Resource paired with a Large Load), from initial application through approval for commercial operations. Performs security screening studies and reviews Full Interconnection Study scopes and reports, Standard Generation Interconnection Agreements, commissioning plans, and energization, synchronization, and commissioning checklists for co-located projects. Analyzes large-load consumption behavior and its effects on ERCOT interconnection reliability, and develops tools, dashboards, policies, and procedures to support reliable integration of large loads and co-located resources. Serves as a subject matter expert for ERCOT management and other teams on large-load and co-located-resource topics. The Engineer 2 also participates in cross-functional teams to integrate large loads into ERCOT models and systems, applies knowledge of market rules and departmental procedures, and develops, enhances, and maintains tools and reports that improve stakeholders’ visibility into and understanding of large-load activity. The role ensures interconnections maintain ERCOT System reliability and comply with applicable NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, the Planning Guide, and the Operating Guides. It works with ERCOT teams and Market Participants and supports periodic testing of operational resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
At least 1 year of job-related work experience beyond degree requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to read and understand electrical one-lines and drawings.

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience.
Experience performing and evaluating powerflow studies in transmission or distribution systems.
Experience developing situational awareness tools and/or coding.
Experience with Seeq, PI, and/or Jira.
Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

Responsibilities

Manage and review interconnection processes for stand-alone large loads and co-located projects, from application through energization or approval for commercial operation, as applicable.
Review and process co-located project interconnection and Full Interconnection Study applications; review study scopes and reports, Standard Generation Interconnection Agreements, and, as applicable, Reactive Study reports.
Perform powerflow and security screening studies to assess the reliability of co-located interconnection requests.
Review commissioning test data for co-located Resources and Energy Storage Resources, including AVR/PSS and reactive tests, as applicable.
Review and approve modeling data for the planning phase of interconnection and for the Operations model, as applicable.
Ensure interconnections maintain ERCOT System reliability and comply with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, the Planning Guide, and the Operating Guides.
Support periodic testing of operational resources to confirm continued compliance with interconnection and performance requirements.
Analyze large-load behavior and its impacts on ERCOT markets and real-time reliability.
Work closely with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning, Metering, and Market Participants, including Interconnecting Entities, Resource Entities, Distribution Service Providers, and Transmission Service Providers.
Participate in cross-functional teams to ensure large loads are integrated into ERCOT models and systems.
Develop, enhance, and maintain tools and reports for ERCOT stakeholders that improve visibility and understanding of large-load activity.
Develop tools, dashboards, policies, and procedures to support reliable integration of large loads and co-located resources.
Serve as a subject matter expert on large-load and co-located-resource topics for ERCOT management and other ERCOT teams.
Apply knowledge of relevant market rules and departmental procedures.