Real Time Operations Engineer- Job Family

About the Role

This position provides direct engineering support to real-time operations, including reviewing anticipated and historical system conditions, using various analysis tools, and developing appropriate responses. The role involves proactively monitoring Energy Management System network analysis tools, such as state estimator performance, and resolving issues impacting state estimator solutions or availability. This is a 24/7 rotating shift position.

Responsibilities

• Perform near-term, next-day, and current-day power system analysis using power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and steady-state analysis software (e.g., PSSE, MUST, OSI Energy Management System tools like SE and CA).
• Use applications and programs (e.g., SDX, MISO Extranet, PJM EDart) to gather information for NIPSCO Transmission System analysis.
• Maintain present and planned network topology and equipment databases.
• Apply contingency lists, load, generation dispatch, and interchange levels to study cases.
• Track system events contributing to operating guides and communicate findings to NIPSCO departments for future upgrades.
• Gather information for regulatory agency and management data requests.
• Write and/or edit technical plans, processes, and procedures as assigned.
• Coordinate system changes with Transmission Planners, EMS Computer Engineers, Field Operations, Neighboring TOPs, and MISO.
• Coordinate transmission equipment ratings with relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare or revise Operating Plans documenting findings and mitigating actions.
• Evaluate and coordinate Bulk Electric System outages during real-time operations.
• Develop operating limits such as voltage/transient stability limits and evaluate transmission constraints in real-time.
• Identify constraint management options as necessary and on-demand.
• Maintain and respond to degradation or failure of EMS network analysis tools, including proactive monitoring and mitigation of state estimator solution issues.
• Provide compliance focus and direction during abnormal and emergency conditions to ensure timely operating actions, reporting, notifications, and decisions.
• Assist System Operator decisions in real-time and suggest actions to mitigate emergencies and projected N-1 contingencies across the NIPSCO TOP area.
• Perform subject matter expert duties in compliance audits.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

This position may be filled as an Engineer or Specialist, depending on degree and experience.

Engineer/Specialist I

• Required:
  • BS degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mathematics, or Physics.
  • Ability to perform 24/7 rotating shifts (12-hour shifts on weekends and 8-hour shifts on weekdays, including holidays).
  • Ability to obtain NERC Certification within a specified timeframe.
  • Understanding of basic electric power systems theory and principles.
  • Ability to perform operational planning analysis using power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and steady-state analysis software (e.g., PSSE, OSI Energy Management System tools like SE and CA).
  • Ability to read and interpret Operating Plans documenting potential operational constraints and mitigation actions.
  • Ability to evaluate Bulk Electric System outages in the Operations Planning time horizon.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical plans, processes, and procedures.
  • Ability to perform basic network modeling tasks, including reviewing network topology, rating changes, and identifying EMS display issues.
  • Ability to work professionally with internal and external groups (e.g., customers, contractors, neighbor TOPs, MISO, NERC, vendors).
  • Ability to interact with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Strong planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to perform duties effectively under emergency and contingency situations.
  • Ability to perform self-guided study and training as instructed.
• Preferred:
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification.
  • Understanding of basic project management principles.
  • PMP Certification.
  • Experience in the electric utility industry.

Engineer/Specialist II

• Required:
  • All qualifications for Engineer/Specialist I, plus:
  • 2 to 4 years of electric utility experience.
  • Increased understanding of electric power systems theory and principles.
  • Enhanced ability to perform operational planning analysis using relevant software.
  • Ability to read, interpret, write, and review Operating Plans.
  • Increased ability to evaluate and coordinate Bulk Electric System outages.
  • Ability to read, interpret, write, and review technical plans, processes, and procedures.
  • Ability to perform intermediate network modeling tasks (e.g., identifying topology issues, adding new models for simple projects, modifying contingencies).
  • Increased ability to work professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Enhanced ability to perform duties under emergency and contingency situations.
  • Ability to support and train other employees on basic tasks.
  • Ability to represent the group in projects and meetings involving various stakeholders.
  • Ability to interpret and apply NERC standards.
• Preferred:
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification.
  • Understanding of basic project management principles.
  • PMP Certification.
  • Experience in the electric utility industry and knowledge of NIPSCO Transmission system.
  • General knowledge of electric substation equipment and operation.
  • General understanding of the Electric Wholesale Power Market.

Engineer/Specialist III

• Required:
  • All qualifications for Engineer/Specialist II, plus:
  • 4 to 9 years of electric utility experience.
  • Proficiency in electric power systems theory and principles.
  • Proficiency in performing operational planning analysis using relevant software.
  • Proficiency in writing and reviewing Operating Plans.
  • Proficiency in evaluating and coordinating Bulk Electric System outages.
  • Proficiency in writing, reviewing, and suggesting improvements to technical plans, processes, and procedures.
  • Proficiency in performing advanced network modeling tasks (e.g., troubleshooting network applications/topology issues, adding new models for complex projects, QAS testing).
  • Proficiency in working professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in performing duties under emergency and contingency situations.
  • Proficiency in supporting, guiding, and training other employees on advanced/complex tasks.
  • Proficiency in representing the group in projects and meetings involving stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in interpreting and applying NERC standards.
  • Ability to perform subject matter expert duties in compliance audits.
• Preferred:
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification.
  • Proficiency in project management principles.
  • PMP Certification.
  • Experience in the electric utility industry and knowledge of NIPSCO Transmission system.
  • General knowledge of electric substation equipment and operation.
  • General understanding of the Electric Wholesale Power Market.

Pay

• Engineer/Specialist I: $69,900 - $105,000
• Engineer/Specialist II: $82,200 - $123,200
• Engineer/Specialist III: $96,600 - $144,900

The salary offered is based on several factors, including skills, job-related knowledge, relevant experience, and internal pay equity.

Schedule

This is a 24/7 rotating shift position, including 12-hour shifts on weekends and 8-hour shifts on weekdays. The role may require working holidays and supporting emergency response efforts outside normal hours.

Additional Information

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future. NiSource values a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply.