Power System Engineer - Renewable Forecasting and Analysis

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. Supports the development, evaluation, and operational use of wind and solar forecasts, including forecast performance analysis and reporting, renewable telemetry data quality, Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation, and coordination with ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff.

JOB DUTIES

Level 1

• Works under the direction of a senior level engineer or supervisor/manager to complete departmental goals and assignments
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures
• Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies
• Under direct supervision, participates in teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies
• Learns ERCOT's wind and solar forecasting methods, vendor forecast products, and the use of the ERCOT Forecast Presentation Platform (FPP)
• Assists with routine monitoring of wind and solar forecast performance and prepares standard performance reports under guidance
• Assists with monitoring renewable telemetry performance and data quality, and flags anomalies for review by senior staff
• Gathers and prepares data to support Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation under direct supervision
• ·Responds to routine forecast-related questions from ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff with guidance from senior staff

Level 2/3

• Typically works independently on assignments and projects in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, including NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols, and organization policies and procedures
• Performs forecast performance analysis for wind and solar forecasts and prepares accurate, timely forecasting reports
• Monitors renewable telemetry performance and data quality, investigates root causes of issues, and works with ERCOT groups and Market Participants to resolve them
• Applies data analysis, statistical, and AI/ML techniques to evaluate and help improve in-house wind and solar forecast models
• Performs Pay-for-Performance (P4P) calculations and analyses and supports refinement of the evaluation methodology
• Evaluates renewable parameters in ERCOT applications and recommends tuning changes
• Monitors vendor forecast performance against contract requirements and service level agreements (SLAs) and documents results
• Serves as a routine technical point of contact for ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff on forecast questions
• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies, and participates with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed
• Participates in multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies, and may provide on the job training or mentor less experienced engineers/analysts

Senior

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department and for renewable forecasting, leading the development and enhancement of operationally reliable wind and solar forecasts, applying data analysis, statistical, and AI/ML techniques to evaluate and help improve in-house wind and solar forecast models
• Makes independent decisions and resolves the most complex issues in creative and effective ways, drawing on expert use of power system software, database programs and knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices
• Leads ongoing forecast performance analysis, defines analytical methods, and ensures the accuracy of ERCOT forecasting reports
• Evaluates and refines the use of probabilistic forecasts and their integration into ERCOT methodologies
• Leads the evaluation and tuning of renewable parameters in ERCOT applications
• Leads the analysis of renewable telemetry performance and data quality, and develops tools and processes to detect and correct data issues
• Leads Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation analyses and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the P4P methodology
• Identifies and scopes new forecasting use cases and emerging forecast product types, and provides technical evaluation of vendor forecast products and performance in support of procurement and SLA monitoring
• Serves as the primary technical coordination point between ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff on renewable forecasting matters, and defines requirements for ERCOT Forecast Presentation Platform (FPP) enhancements
• Leads multifunctional teams, presents and participates in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants and regulatory agencies, and acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts

Lead

• Serves as the recognized technical expert for renewable forecasting within and outside the organization
• Sets the technical direction for ERCOT's renewable forecasting program, including the roadmap for applying AI/ML and probabilistic techniques to strengthen in-house wind and solar forecast models
• Leads the technical aspects of forecast vendor procurement and contract lifecycle (RFPs, renewals, SLAs), including defining evaluation criteria and assessing vendor performance
• Owns the technical accuracy and quality of ERCOT forecasting reports, sets standards for forecast evaluation, and responds to executive and management inquiries and special reporting requests
• Leads the Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation process and its ongoing methodology evolution
• Directs the monitoring of renewable telemetry performance and data quality, and leads the evaluation and tuning of renewable parameters in ERCOT applications, coordinating changes with affected departments
• Directs the technical roadmap for the ERCOT Forecast Presentation Platform (FPP), and identifies and scopes new forecasting use cases and emerging forecast product types
• Serves as the principal technical liaison to ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff, and as the departmental representative on cross-functional teams, proactively providing technical, business, and policy guidance
• Leads projects and audits as assigned by management, provides on-the-job training, mentoring or oversight of other engineers/analysts, and serves as quality assurance and best practices resource within and outside the department
• Communicates results of analyses to stakeholders and the management team, builds professional relationships within and outside the electric utility industry, and may prepare reports and presentations for stakeholder bodies, the ERCOT Board of Directors and regulatory agencies, including testimony

EXPERIENCE

• Level 1: Requires no minimum years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Level 2: Requires minimum 2 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Level 3: Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements

EDUCATION

• 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

CERTIFICATION

• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred)

WORK LOCATION

• Hybrid in Taylor, TX 2 days per week
  

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-DN

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range:

$89,000 - $122,000