Power Systems Modeling Engineer at Electric Reliability Council of Texas in Austin, Texas

Job Description:

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 diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We accept and celebrate those that join us and recognize that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. A diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.
ERCOT offers the flexibility to work both in and out of the office within the state of Texas, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance.

As a Power Systems Modeling Engineer you will develop transmission system models used in both real time operations and in transmission planning. These models support the delivery of power to everyone in the ERCOT grid and the planning of billions of dollars of transmission system projects. You will be joining a team that performs industry leading power systems modeling and model management. In power systems modeling you will develop operational models, steady state, short-circuit, and geomagnetic disturbance planning models in conjunction with ERCOT transmission service providers. You will also help improve system modeling processes and develop software tools to manage and validate model data. Good communication skills will be needed as this role will involve working with numerous internal and external stakeholders to build transmission system models.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Model Development

• Develops operations models from the Network Model Management System (NMMS)




• Works with the Network Data Support Working Group (NDSWG) members on operational model data exchange and transmission network model maintenance in NMMS




• Develops steady state and geomagnetic disturbance models with the Steady State Working Group (SSWG) using Model On Demand (MOD) and PSS/E




• Develops short circuit models with the System Protection Working Group (SPWG) using ASPEN One-liner




• Coordinates the model and contingency building processes for SSWG and SPWG, ensuring transmission service providers (TSPs) submit data, validates data submissions, resolves modeling issues, performs generation modeling and dispatching, and produces data products for the planning models




• Works with the SPWG and SSWG on data exchange methods and transmission network model maintenance methodologies

Generation Modeling

• Reviews generator and transmission equipment data submitted by resource entities and works with resource entities to correct invalid model data




• Models transmission generation sites and distributed generation resources in the ERCOT planning models using PSS/E and ASPEN




• Maintains and develops generation modeling tools written in Java and Python

Modeling Application Support

• Manages transmission system model software infrastructure and develops tools to assist in managing transmission models which includes database infrastructure, model data exchange interfaces, and data export formats




• Develops and maintains modeling software tools in Java, C#, Python to validate transmission network and generator data submissions using electrical engineering principles by doing data comparison and validity checks, and to automate and perform system modeling




• Develops rules to validate data submissions in operations and planning models using SQL




• Manage projects to upgrade the NMMS and MOD applications to implement desired new functionality, reviews system patches, and helps administers servers

Other Responsibilities

• Provides training and mentoring of members of the Engineering Development Program (EDP)




• Works closely with ERCOT Network Model Maintenance, Network Model Coordination, Resource Integration, System Operations, System Planning, Forward Markets, Client Services, and Grid Applications Development




• Reviews, drafts, and presents changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for EDP and for Market Participants (MPs), and other supporting ERCOT documents related to system modeling




• Reviews changes to NERC standards to assess if changes to modeling methodologies are needed

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in 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.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Has experience with at least one of the following power system simulators or equivalent: PowerWorld, PSS/E, ASPEN One-liner




• Experience with SQL




• Experience with software tools like Git/BitBucket and Jira




• Strong communication skills




• Able and comfortable with working independently, managing projects, and stakeholder groups

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Level 2: Requires minimum 1 year job related work experience in excess of degree requirements


• Level 3: Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements


• Has experience with developing and maintaining software at least one of the following programming languages or equivalent: Python, Java, or C#

WORK LOCATION:

• This position is Hybrid.  Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 2-3 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management. Employees are required on-site during tight grid conditions or emergency grid operations




• On-site schedules are flexible or may be rotated based on business needs as determined by the Manager




• Remote work is required to be performed from your Texas residence.  




• Employees may opt to work on-site more than required or 100% of the time

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

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- Hybrid

Expected Salary Range:

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