Planning Engineer Sr

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

About The Position

Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for planning and operating the electric power system. The role implements system models, develops monitoring and control tools and procedures, performs system studies, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system issues, and reports findings and recommendations. At Engineer 2 and Engineer 3 levels, the position designs and performs steady-state, dynamic stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses using power system simulation models such as PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, PowerWorld, and/or PSCAD, under the direction of a senior engineer or management. It runs scenarios and input variations, assesses study accuracy and confidence, develops conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations, structures planning studies and sensitivity analyses, and evaluates proposed projects through technical and financial analyses. The role also helps improve transmission planning and market forecasting processes, provides planning input on market and protocol design issues, prepares reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities, reviews stakeholder reports, and assists market participants with updating power system dynamic models. At the Senior level, the role additionally serves as a departmental technical subject matter expert, makes independent decisions except in unusually complex scenarios, resolves complex engineering issues, and may coordinate and present in stakeholder meetings. It builds strong working relationships, guides projects and teammates, mentors less experienced engineers and analysts, leads multifunctional study teams, demonstrates expert use of power system applications and related tools, and maintains knowledge of industry trends and best practices. At the Lead level, the role applies advanced engineering principles and deep expertise in transmission planning and power system analysis. It independently defines problems, study scope, and approaches for complex or ambiguous issues; leads highly complex studies and projects; makes recommendations that may influence project, program, or departmental outcomes; serves as a recognized technical authority and primary stakeholder contact; exercises broad decision-making latitude; works with minimal supervision; guides and reviews technical work; and represents the organization in project leadership and high-impact forums. The position may be filled at Engineer 2, Engineer 3, Senior Engineer, or Lead level depending on the candidate’s experience. The listed description reflects minimum qualifications and essential functions, but is not exhaustive; management may revise duties or assign other tasks. Essential functions must be performed proficiently, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.
Engineer 2: Minimum 1 to 2 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role.
Engineer 3: Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role.
Senior level: Minimum 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 level: Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience beyond degree requirements as a power system engineer or in a similar role within the electric utility industry.
Ability to perform power system analyses using applicable simulation models and tools; senior and lead responsibilities require increasingly independent technical judgment and expertise.
Ability to perform essential functions proficiently, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the electric utility industry 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 using EMT 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 assisting with improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards.

Responsibilities

Provide electrical engineering analysis and technical support for electric power system planning and operation.
Implement system modeling and develop tools and procedures to monitor and control the system.
Perform power system studies, analyze simulated or actual operating results, develop solutions to system issues, and report findings and recommendations.
Design and perform steady-state, dynamic stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses using power system simulation models.
Run study scenarios and input variations, evaluate accuracy, assign confidence metrics, and prepare conclusions, recommendations, reports, and presentations.
Structure planning studies and sensitivity analyses to identify needed improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses.
Help improve transmission planning and market forecasting processes and provide planning analyses on market and protocol design issues.
Prepare study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities; review stakeholder reports for 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, coordinate stakeholder engagement, guide projects, mentor colleagues, and lead multifunctional teams and studies.
At Lead level, define approaches for complex and ambiguous issues, lead complex studies and projects, provide technical recommendations, serve as a technical authority and stakeholder contact, guide staff, and represent the organization in leadership forums.
Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.