Power Systems Engineer SR - Grid Analysis

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

12h•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 Grid Analysis engineer at ERCOT, you will enter a collaborative place to influence and shape the reliability of the electric power grid while developing your engineering and leadership skills. Our world class operations teams work creatively to perform steady-state analysis using the most advanced power flow models and support ERCOT stakeholders in crafting requirements to reliability integrate new technologies. Responsibility of the Grid Analysis includes, but are not limited to the following: Perform power-flow simulations to evaluate Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and Remedial Action Schemes (RASs) using tools such as PowerWorld, PSSE, VSAT, etc. Perform regional power transfer analysis to identify potential wide-area cascading risks. Develop and maintain ERCOT’s Black Start Plan from resource selection to the restoration plan. Evaluate current performance of generator and transmission equipment against the reliability requirements and forecast future requirement needs. Propose and implement improvements which may include rule/requirement changes to maintain the reliability of the future grid. JOB SUMMARY Provide electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the operations of the electric power system. Implement appropriate system modeling, develop tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, perform system studies, analyze simulated or actual operating results, develop solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately report findings and recommendations. Design and perform steady-state analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, or PowerWorld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management. Assist in providing input and analyses from the operations perspective on market/protocol design issues to support other activities. Structure appropriate operations studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and regional power transfer interfaces. Help develop improvements to maintain reliability of the electric system. Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department. Make independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios. Work on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. May coordinate, provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel and Market Participants. Foster and leverage strong working relationships with team and other internal departments. Lend professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager. Act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts. Lead multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies. Demonstrate skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs. Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.
Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field, or a combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with knowledge equivalent to a major in such fields.
Power-flow simulation experience.
Programming or scripting experience.

Nice To Haves

Graduate Degree: Electrical Engineering or related field (Preferred).
PE (Professional Engineer) license is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform power-flow simulations to evaluate Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and Remedial Action Schemes (RASs) using tools such as PowerWorld, PSSE, VSAT, etc.
Perform regional power transfer analysis to identify potential wide-area cascading risks.
Develop and maintain ERCOT’s Black Start Plan from resource selection to the restoration plan.
Evaluate current performance of generator and transmission equipment against the reliability requirements and forecast future requirement needs.
Propose and implement improvements which may include rule/requirement changes to maintain the reliability of the future grid.
Provide electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the operations of the electric power system.
Implement appropriate system modeling, develop tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, perform system studies, analyze simulated or actual operating results, develop solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately report findings and recommendations.
Design and perform steady-state analyses using power flow models (PSSE, VSAT, or PowerWorld) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.
Assist in providing input and analyses from the operations perspective on market/protocol design issues to support other activities.
Structure appropriate operations studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for Constraint Management Plans (CMPs) and regional power transfer interfaces.
Help develop improvements to maintain reliability of the electric system.
Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department.
Make independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios.
Work on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
May coordinate, provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel and Market Participants.
Foster and leverage strong working relationships with team and other internal departments.
Lend professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager.
Act as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.
Lead multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies.
Demonstrate skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs.
Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.