EMS Engineer 2

About the Company

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliably while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has provided precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities, and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees collaborate to solve problems and improve the business of a diverse client base, including cities, municipalities, electric cooperatives, generation owners, and operators.

We offer career development and training opportunities, equipping employees with new and valuable skills. Located in Downtown Houston—a fast-growing city with world-class institutions and a young, diverse population—Gridforce provides an energizing work environment.

About the Role

The Energy Management System (EMS) Engineer serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in maintaining key real-time applications in the Control Room. This role requires strong power systems analysis knowledge and extensive system operations support experience.

Responsibilities

• Program, provide technical support, design, implement, and maintain all EMS/SCADA-related hardware and software.
• Maintain a clear understanding of applicable FERC, NERC, WECC, and Regional Standards Procedures and Guidelines to support Gridforce's ongoing compliance programs.
• Conduct point-to-point checkouts of all new field devices prior to commissioning.
• Quickly troubleshoot EMS/SCADA hardware and RTU problems to minimize outages and adverse business impacts.
• Participate in Disaster Recovery drills and contribute to Gridforce's Business Continuity Management process.
• Advise management on reliability issues, EMS tools performance gaps, and potential needs for new analysis software/technology development.
• Participate in major EMS vendor software enhancements, new product implementation, acceptance testing, and deployment in production cost-effectively.
• Perform code builds, patch implementations, and migrations across the portfolio of EMS applications, servers, and hardware.

Working Relationships

The EMS Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering and Information Systems and collaborates with other members of the Gridforce Application team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent. Relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of experience working in an engineering or operations support role at a major electric utility, reliability coordinator, or ISO/RTO.
• Experience supporting GE-Alstom e-terra Energy Management System (AREVA).
• Experience with SCADA communication protocols (ICCP, DP3.0, Modbus).
• NERC CIP certification.
• Proficiency with GE-Alstom e-terra Energy Management System (AREVA).
• Excellent business writing and communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver clear, concise presentations.
• Ability to provide on-call support for production systems outside of normal working hours.
• Knowledge and experience with CIP requirements, working in, and maintaining a CIP-compliant environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Must be able to travel to remote control centers or business locations in Houston and the Dallas area.
• Works primarily in an office environment but may require occasional travel.
• Typical work schedule is Monday–Friday during normal business hours, with 24/7 on-call availability for emergencies as part of an on-call rotation.

Compensation

Initial compensation ranges from $98,300 to $115,000.

Additional Information

• All employees participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
• Extensive smoking restrictions are in place in and around the facility.
• Safety is a core value; employees must adhere to all safety warnings, posted signs, and NAES safety rules and procedures.