Real Time Power Engineer

Real Time Power Engineer 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. Implements appropriate 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 appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

• Works closely with the ERCOT Control Room System Operators providing engineering support through execution of power flow studies, stability assessments, outage coordination support, system applications support, and troubleshooting of all software tools to maintain impeccable situational awareness
• Maintains high-quality, continuous execution of the online ERCOT State Estimator, Real-Time Contingency Analysis, and Voltage/Transient Stability Analysis tools
• Must be able to think and react quickly in a high-stress, high-urgency environment
• Performs independent engineering studies including power flow and stability analysis utilizing advanced applications
• Assesses grid conditions and recommends appropriate action based on engineering studies
• Develops and authors appropriate management plans for mitigation of temporary and ongoing grid vulnerabilities
• Identifies network model and applications quality issues and works with ERCOT support groups to resolve associated problems
• Assists with execution of ERCOT System Operations procedures and recommends improvements if needed
• Works side-by-side with ERCOT System Operators and in direct communication with ERCOT Market Participants to maintain reliability and security of the ERCOT Interconnection
• Gathers information and notifies ERCOT management and engineering support groups of noteworthy grid events and incidents
• Troubleshoots all situational awareness tools available to Control Room staff
• Logs information regarding grid conditions to continually track the status of the ERCOT Interconnection and highlight recurring concerns
• Supports the ERCOT Network Model database load process
• Processes off-hours ERCOT Outage Scheduler submissions as needed
• Prepares daily/regular reports to inform ERCOT departments of current grid status and recent developments
• Serves as subject matter expert for System Operations Support cross-training and project assistance
• Must be able to quickly develop proficiency with grid applications, particularly Alstom EMS Suite, Powertech DSATools, and ABB MMS Suite
• Expertise with MS Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel including macros and some VBA coding

• Must be able to obtain NERC Reliability Coordinator System Operator Certification within first 6 months of employment

• Willingness to work a rotating 12-hour shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Experience - Engineer 1 requirements

• No minimum work experience required

Experience - Engineer 2 requirements

• Minimum 1 year experience as a power system engineer or equivalent industry experience         

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience within the electric utility industry
• Experience with power flow analysis software.  Examples include: Powerworld or PSSE
• Experience working with EMS (State Estimator, Realtime Contingency Analysis, Voltage and Transient Stability Analysis).
• Experience with any of the following: VBA, Python, SQL.

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

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

• NERC Reliability Coordinator System Operator Certification (Preferred)

Physical Work Location: Onsite / Taylor, TX

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.

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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: