Planning Engineer SR - Operations Stability

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. As a system 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 Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operations of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system stability assessment, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system stability issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations. Level 3: Designs and performs steady-state analyses and dynamic contingency analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, VSAT, or TSAT) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management. Runs appropriate scenarios and input variations to result in robust results, analyzes study accuracy and assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations. Structures appropriate stability studies to determine the system operating limits. Assists in the preparation of study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities. Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy. Typically works independently on assignments and projects Senior Level: includes all of the above in addition to: 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field (Required)
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 level Engineer -Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.
Knowledgeable in the dynamic modeling of power system especially inverter-base resources deployed in solar, wind, and battery plants
Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (TSAT, PSSE etc.)
Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models, especially inverter-based resources models
Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python)
Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field (Preferred)
Experience with controls and power electronics modelling of power electronics loads like power supplies, UPS, and electrolyzes.
Experience with PSCAD for modelling and simulations of invert-based resources.
Experience performing post dynamic event analysis and dynamic model validation using PMU and/or DFR data
Experience with the Energy Management System (EMS)
Understanding of and direct experience with IEEE 2800.

Responsibilities

Designs and performs steady-state analyses and dynamic contingency analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, VSAT, or TSAT) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.
Runs appropriate scenarios and input variations to result in robust results, analyzes study accuracy and assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations.
Structures appropriate stability studies to determine the system operating limits.
Assists in the preparation of study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy.
Typically works independently on assignments and projects
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.