Planning Engineer Sr

ERCOT • Taylor, TX

8d

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. JOB SUMMARY 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. Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, 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. JOB DUTIES Understands the basic principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and learns how to apply them within the ERCOT culture. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Contributes to specific objectives and outcomes as directed. ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, or Powerworld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management Designs and performs production cost modeling (UPLAN) studies to accomplish economic transmission planning under the direction of a senior level engineer or management Helps develop improvements to transmission planning and market forecasting processes Assists in providing input and analyses from the planning perspective on market/protocol design issues Assists in providing market simulation/forecasting and transmission planning analyses to support other activities Structures appropriate planning studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses 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

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a power system engineer or similar type role in excess of degree requirements
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred (both levels)
• Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.
• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field (Required) or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE, TSAT, Powerworld)
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD), especially for large-scale system analysis
• Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models
• Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python)
• Experience assessing and mitigating sub-synchronous resonance issues
• Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards
• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system.
• Implements appropriate system modeling, 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.
• Understands the basic principles, theories and concepts related to the profession and learns how to apply them within the ERCOT culture.
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.
• Contributes to specific objectives and outcomes as directed.
• Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, or Powerworld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management
• Designs and performs production cost modeling (UPLAN) studies to accomplish economic transmission planning under the direction of a senior level engineer or management
• Helps develop improvements to transmission planning and market forecasting processes
• Assists in providing input and analyses from the planning perspective on market/protocol design issues
• Assists in providing market simulation/forecasting and transmission planning analyses to support other activities
• Structures appropriate planning studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level