Planning Engineer Sr

About the role

ERCOT’s diverse and dynamic work environment empowers employees to collaborate on building the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market with cutting-edge technologies and resources. We foster an inclusive culture rooted in accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise, where varied talents and perspectives drive innovation and strengthen our ability to solve today’s and tomorrow’s energy challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for planning and operations of the electric power system.
• Implements system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system stability assessments, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, and develops solutions to current or future system stability issues.
• Reports findings and recommendations appropriately.

Level 2 & 3 Responsibilities

• Designs and performs steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, VSAT, or TSAT) under the direction of a senior engineer or management.
• Runs scenarios and input variations to produce robust results, analyzes study accuracy, assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, and prepares reports and presentations.
• Structures appropriate stability studies to determine system operating limits.
• Assists in preparing study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
• Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure technical content and accuracy.
• Typically works independently on assignments and projects.

Senior Level Responsibilities

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department.
• Makes independent decisions except in unusually complex engineering scenarios.
• Resolves complex issues with creative and effective solutions.
• Coordinates, provides presentations, and participates in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants, and industry regulatory agencies.
• Fosters strong working relationships with team members and other internal departments.
• Guides projects and mentors less experienced engineers/analysts.
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments, and perform studies.
• Demonstrates expertise as an advanced user of power system software applications, spreadsheet programs, and database programs.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.

Work Experience

• Engineer 2: Minimum 1–2 years (beyond degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role; experience in the electric utility industry preferred.
• Engineer 3: Minimum 3 years (beyond degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role; experience in the electric utility industry preferred.
• Senior Engineer: Minimum 5 years (beyond degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer within the electric utility industry.

Preferred Experience

• Performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE and TSAT).
• Evaluating and updating power system dynamic models, especially inverter-based resource (IBR) models.
• Programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python).
• Assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards.
• Experience with the Energy Management System (EMS).

Position level is open to Engineer 2, Engineer 3, or Senior Engineer depending on the candidate’s experience.

This role requires on-site work at least two days per week, with additional on-site requirements at management’s discretion. Remote work must be performed within Texas; log-ins during out-of-state travel or approved temporary remote arrangements are permitted.

Expected Salary Range: $109,000 – $150,000