Hourly Trader

ACES•Raleigh, NC

10d

About The Position

The Hourly Trader is responsible for the real-time operational management and balancing of generation resources and native load obligations for participating members and customers across the PJM and SERC markets. The role focuses on electric grid reliability while managing portfolio positions through coordination with ISO/RTO markets, bilateral counterparties, generation facilities, and reliability entities. The position has direct responsibility for SERC market portfolio management, serving as the primary decision-maker for dispatching generation resources and meeting load obligations cost-effectively. This includes optimizing unit dispatch, executing bilateral transactions, and managing system positions to balance reliability requirements with economic performance. The role covers generation dispatch, unit parameter and offer management within PJM systems, bilateral trading and dispatch decisions within SERC, load obligation fulfillment, transmission coordination, and energy transactions needed to maintain system balance and meet contractual and regulatory requirements. It operates in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment, with decisions guided by system reliability, operational constraints, and disciplined portfolio management rather than speculative trading.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, or an associate degree with applicable power trading experience, from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.
Demonstrated proficiency with computers, specifically Microsoft Excel.
Competence with mathematics and technical concepts.
Strong analytical, attention-to-detail, and organizational skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with ACES systems.
Ability to apply critical thinking skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous business experience, preferably including price negotiation, data analysis, and customer service.

Responsibilities

Work rotating shifts to provide 24-hour coverage supporting real-time grid operations and reliability.
Perform real-time generation dispatch and unit control activities across PJM and SERC portfolios.
Serve as the primary decision-maker for SERC portfolio operations, including dispatching units and managing load obligations cost-effectively.
Execute bilateral energy transactions and manage positions within SERC to ensure portfolio balance and economic optimization.
Perform unit parameter and offer management within PJM systems, such as eMKT.
Maintain and update unit data, including limits, ramp rates, outage status, and offer structures, to reflect real-time operating conditions accurately.
Balance generation and load positions to ensure reliable service and fulfillment of native load obligations across all markets.
Execute energy transactions as needed to maintain balanced positions and meet system and contractual requirements.
Monitor PJM dispatch signals, SERC system conditions, market dynamics, and transmission constraints to support accurate dispatch and decision-making.
Coordinate with generation plants, member operators, counterparties, and reliability entities to communicate system conditions and execute required actions.
Manage system positions to minimize imbalances and maintain compliance with ISO/RTO requirements, bilateral agreements, and operating limits.
Coordinate demand-side management activities in response to changing system conditions.
Accurately input and maintain operational data within ACES systems to support real-time and downstream processes.
Interface with internal teams, including Portfolio Strategy, Modeling, IT, Settlements, and Regulatory, to support coordinated operations.
Assist in gathering and interpreting market and system intelligence relevant to operational planning, reliability, and portfolio optimization.
Maintain strong working relationships with members, clients, and external operators to ensure effective coordination.
Adhere to ACES corporate policies and comply with NERC, FERC, PJM, SERC, and applicable state regulatory requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.