Project Director, ERCOT Transmission Planning

NextEra Energy•Austin, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

NextEra Energy Transmission, LLC (NEET) is the leading competitive transmission company in North America. We develop, finance, construct, operate and maintain transmission assets across the continent. We operate through our regional subsidiaries to integrate generation resources and enhance grid reliability. The Project Director, ERCOT Transmission Planning leads technical planning activities that support NEET’s transmission development and operating utility priorities in Texas. The role performs and directs complex technical and economic studies to identify reliable, cost-effective transmission solutions; supports generator and large-load interconnections; and ensures compliance with ERCOT requirements and applicable NERC Reliability Standards. Responsibilities span needs and solution identification, steady-state and dynamic analysis, generation and transmission modeling, reliability and economic assessments, engineering and financial viability, technical submittals, and engagement with ERCOT, transmission service providers, utilities, customers, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of bulk electric system planning, power system analysis, and applicable NERC Reliability Standards.
Demonstrated experience with ERCOT planning processes, protocols, planning guides, transmission service providers, generator interconnections, and large-load studies.
Hands-on experience with relevant planning tools, such as PSS®E, PowerGEM TARA, PowerWorld, ASPEN OneLiner, PSCAD, TSAT, GE PSLF, UPLAN, PROMOD, or GRIDVIEW.
Ability to lead internal and external technical specialists through complex studies under demanding schedules.
Working knowledge of transmission policy, regulatory requirements, interconnection agreements, and reliability and economic analyses.
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to ERCOT, utilities, customers, consultants, and all levels of management.
Ability to lead multiple complex projects to successful completion simultaneously.
High School Grad /GED
Bachelor's or Equivalent Experience
Experience: 7+ years

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidate will sit out of our office in either: Juno Beach, FL; or Austin, TX. Other locations, including remote, may be considered for qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Perform and lead power system studies supporting generator and large-load interconnections, ERCOT planning requirements, and applicable NERC Reliability Standards, including TPL, FAC, and MOD.
Identify ERCOT system needs and transmission drivers, reproduce or validate relevant planning studies, and develop robust transmission solutions.
Develop study assumptions, scenarios, contingencies, sensitivities, mitigation alternatives, and technical recommendations.
Review models, study results, and reports prepared by internal teams and consultants, and present findings and recommendations to senior management and support development, regulatory, engineering, commercial, and operating teams in decision-making.
Establish technical strategy and priorities for multiple concurrent planning initiatives, including allocation of internal and consultant resources.
Structure, execute, and manage consultant and subcontractor agreements needed to support transmission planning analyses.
Lead generator and large-load interconnection studies for customers connecting to transmission assets owned by NEET operating companies, including technical report development and study-result review.
Represent NEET in ERCOT planning forums, generator interconnection activities, large-load study processes, and stakeholder discussions; build productive relationships with ERCOT, transmission service providers, utilities, customers, and consultants.
Ensure work products comply with applicable ERCOT protocols, planning guides, NERC Reliability Standards, and company requirements.
Mentor and develop transmission planners.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Manages all aspects of the day to day transaction process to ensure timely completion as well as a cost effective and competitive results
Leads and coordinates key functions such as financial feasibility analyses, engineering/design, project legal review, permitting activities and financial negotiations
Coordinates due diligence activities with other internal groups to ensure proper analysis and structuring of assigned projects
Acts as liaison between internal and external specialists regarding procurement, contracting, permitting and interconnection
Constructs contractual arrangements for project development
Negotiates agreements with consultants and subcontractors
Ensures compliance with applicable technical and regulatory requirements
Fosters external relationships with customers, third parties and members of the community
Identifies opportunities and negotiates power sales contracts
Performs other job-related duties as assigned