Grid Interconnections Engineer 3

JOB SUMMARY

Manages the interconnection process for stand-alone Large Loads, from initial application through energization, and for co-located projects (a Resource or Energy Storage Resource (ESR) paired with a Large Load) from initial application through approval for commercial operations. For co-located projects, responsibilities include performing security screening studies, reviewing Full Interconnection Study (FIS) scope and study reports, reviewing the Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement (SGIA), and reviewing Commissioning Plans and Energization, Synchronization, and Commissioning checklists. Performs regular and ad-hoc analyses of large load consumption behavior and its impact on the reliability of the ERCOT interconnection. Develops appropriate tools, dashboards, policies, and procedures to ensure reliable integration of large loads and co-located resources. Serves as a subject matter expert on large load and co-located resource topics to ERCOT management and other ERCOT teams.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES and TASKS

Engineer 1

• Manages, reviews and performs necessary analysis for the interconnection process for stand-alone large loads (initial application through energization) and co-located projects (initial application through approval for commercial operation).
• Reviews and processes co-located project interconnection and FIS applications; may review Reactive Study reports, FIS scope and reports, and Standard Generation Interconnection Agreements.
• Performs powerflow and security screening studies to assess the reliability of co-located interconnection requests.
• May review commissioning testing data for co-located Resources/ESRs (e.g., AVR/PSS and Reactive tests).
• May review and approve modeling data for the planning phase of the interconnection process and in the Operations model.
• Ensures that the interconnection of large loads projects and co-located projects is accomplished in a manner that maintains the reliability of the ERCOT System and complies with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, the Planning Guide, and the Operating Guides.
• Supports periodic testing of operational resources to confirm continued compliance with interconnection and performance requirements.
• Works closely with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning and Metering.
• Works closely with Market Participants (MPs), including Interconnecting Entities (IEs), Resource Entities (REs), Distribution Service Providers (DSPs), and Transmission Service Providers (TSPs).
  • Performs regular and ad-hoc analyses of large load behavior and impacts on ERCOT markets and real-time reliability
  • Gains knowledge of relevant market rules and departmental procedures

Engineer 2

• Perform all duties of an Engineer 1, as well as the following.
• Participates in cross-functional teams to ensure large loads are fully integrated into ERCOT models and systems
• Is proficient in market rules and departmental procedures
• Develops, enhances, and maintains tools and reports for ERCOT stakeholders that improve visibility and understanding of large load activity

Engineer 3

• Performs all duties of an Engineer 2, as well as the following.
• Develops, enhances, and maintains tools and reports for ERCOT stakeholders that improve visibility and understanding of large load activity
• Develops and sustains a high-level understanding of ERCOT’s competitive energy markets and their relationship to large load incentives and behavior
• Works with senior engineers and management to propose and develop revisions to ERCOT protocols and guides that enhance the reliability of large loads in the ERCOT system
• Supports staff representing ERCOT in technical committees and subcommittees
• May provide presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel and Market Participants
• May provide training on large load topics to ERCOT management and team.

Engineer Sr

• Performs all duties of an Engineer 3, as well as the following.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on large load topics
• Regularly provides presentations and participates in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel and Market Participants
• Develops team procedures and documentation in collaboration with management
• Provides training and guidance to less experienced engineers
• May lead cross-functional teams to ensure large loads are fully integrated into ERCOT models and systems
• Works proactively with upper management to plan and execute ERCOT’s mission and initiatives relating to large load integration

EXPERIENCE

Engineer 1

• Requires no additional job related work experience in excess of degree requirements.·
• (Required) Ability to communicate effectively·
• (Required) Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience·
• (Preferred) Experience developing situational awareness tools and/or coding

Engineer 2

• Requires minimum 1 year job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• (Required) Ability to communicate effectively
• (Required) Ability to read and understand electrical one lines and drawings
• (Required) Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience
• (Preferred) Experience performing and evaluating powerflow studies in transmission or distribution systems
• (Preferred) Experience developing situational awareness tools and/or coding·
• (Preferred) Experience with Seeq, PI, and/or Jira

Engineer 3

• Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• (Required) Ability to communicate effectively
• (Required) Ability to read and understand electrical one lines and drawings
• (Required) Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience
• (Required) Experience performing and evaluating powerflow studies in transmission or distribution systems
• (Preferred) Experience developing situational awareness tools and/or coding
• (Preferred) Experience with Seeq, PI, and/or Jira

Engineer Sr

• Requires minimum 5 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• (Required) Ability to communicate effectively
• (Required) Ability to read and understand electrical one lines and drawings
• (Required) Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint experience
• (Required) Experience performing and evaluating powerflow studies in transmission or distribution systems
• (Preferred) Experience developing situational awareness tools and/or coding
• (Preferred) Experience with Seeq, PI, and/or Jira

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (Required)
• Or related discipline or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

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.

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:

$89,000 - $122,000

About Us

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about 90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generating units. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT's members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities (transmission and distribution providers,) and municipal-owned electric utilities.

ERCOT Benefits

ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan.

The medical, dental, vision, and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future.

Internship Program

The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path.

Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an academic bachelors or post graduate degree program maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Engineer Development Program

The ERCOT Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a 12- to 16-month, self-paced program geared toward entry-level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Through the program, an EDP Engineer receives one-on-one mentoring, specialized training, and exposure to the work performed by each of the engineering groups at ERCOT.
The program allows engineers to develop the fundamental skills necessary to reach their full potential while gaining an understanding of the types of engineering work ERCOT has to offer. EDP management supports participants each step of the way as they progress through the program. Upon completion, graduates are placed as full-time engineers within one of ERCOT’s engineering groups.

Grid and Market Solutions Development Program

System Operator Development Program

The System Operator Development Program (ODP) is intended to combine real-time daily operations in an exciting work setting to prepare participants with the vital skills necessary to be successful in such a critical position—providing 24x7x365 on-demand support to manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. If you are new to the industry, this program introduces you to the Bulk Electric System by combining introductory courses with the NERC Certification Exam Preparation Program in preparation to pass the NERC Certification Exam.