Planning Engineer Sr

ERCOT•Taylor, TX

4d•$110,000 - $151,000

About The Position

Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. The role implements 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 reports findings and recommendations. Depending on level, the engineer designs and performs steady-state, dynamic stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses using power system simulation models; runs scenarios and input variations; evaluates study accuracy and confidence; and prepares conclusions, recommendations, reports, and presentations. The role structures planning studies and sensitivity analyses to assess system improvements and proposed projects, contributes to planning and market forecasting process improvements, provides planning analysis on market and protocol design issues, prepares study reports and procedures, reviews stakeholder reports, and assists market participants with updating dynamic models. At the senior level, the position serves as a technical subject matter expert, makes independent decisions on most engineering matters, resolves complex issues, may coordinate and present at stakeholder meetings, guides projects and teammates, mentors less experienced staff, leads multifunctional teams, and maintains expertise in power system software and industry trends. At the lead level, the position independently defines study scope and analytical approaches for complex issues, leads highly complex studies and projects, provides technical recommendations beyond standard practices, serves as a recognized technical authority and primary stakeholder contact, exercises broad decision-making latitude, guides technical work, and represents ERCOT in project leadership and high-impact forums. The position level may be Engineer 2, Engineer 3, Senior Engineer, or Lead, depending on the candidate’s experience. Duties may be revised or supplemented by management, and essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing knowledge equivalent to a major in those fields.
Engineer 2: At least 1 to 2 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role.
Engineer 3: At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role.
Senior level: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role within the electric utility industry.
Lead: At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role within the electric utility industry.
Expert user skills in power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs are specified for the senior level.

Nice To Haves

Electric utility industry experience for Engineer 2 and Engineer 3 candidates.
Experience conducting dynamic model quality tests and reviewing generator performance response.
Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using PSSE, TSAT, or PowerWorld.
Experience with electromagnetic transient simulation tools such as PSCAD, especially for large-scale system analysis.
Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models.
Experience analyzing large-load dynamic behavior, such as data centers and traditional industrial loads, and assessing system impacts.
Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools using Python.
Experience assessing and mitigating sub-synchronous oscillation issues.
Experience helping improve transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards.

Responsibilities

Implement appropriate power system models and develop tools and procedures to monitor and control the electric system.
Perform steady-state, dynamic stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses using power system simulation models.
Run study scenarios and input variations, analyze study accuracy, assign confidence metrics, and develop conclusions and recommendations.
Structure planning studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for system improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses.
Help improve transmission planning and market forecasting processes.
Provide planning-perspective input and analyses on market and protocol design issues.
Prepare study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
Review stakeholder reports for appropriate technical content and accuracy.
Assist market participants with updating power system dynamic models.
At senior level, serve as a technical subject matter expert, make independent engineering decisions, resolve complex issues, coordinate or participate in stakeholder meetings, guide projects and teammates, mentor less experienced engineers and analysts, lead multifunctional teams, and maintain knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
At lead level, define problem statements, study scope, and analytical approaches; lead complex studies and projects; provide technical recommendations; serve as a technical authority and stakeholder contact; guide and review staff technical work; and represent the organization in project leadership and external forums.