Power System Engineer – Renewable Forecasting and Analysis

JOB SUMMARY

Provides engineering analysis and technical support to ensure continuing reliable operations of the electric power grid in compliance with NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Market Guides. Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Supports the development, evaluation, and operational use of wind and solar forecasts, including forecast performance analysis and reporting, renewable telemetry data quality, Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation, and coordination with ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff.

JOB DUTIES

Level 2

• Typically works independently on assignments and projects in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, including NERC Standards, ERCOT Protocols, and organization policies and procedures

• Performs forecast performance analysis for wind and solar forecasts and prepares accurate, timely forecasting reports

• Monitors renewable telemetry performance and data quality, investigates root causes of issues, and works with ERCOT groups and Market Participants to resolve them

• Applies data analysis, statistical, and AI/ML techniques to evaluate and help improve in-house wind and solar forecast models

• Performs Pay-for-Performance (P4P) calculations and analyses and supports refinement of the evaluation methodology

• Evaluates renewable parameters in ERCOT applications and recommends tuning changes

• Monitors vendor forecast performance against contract requirements and service level agreements (SLAs) and documents results

• Serves as a routine technical point of contact for ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff on forecast questions

• Assists in developing tools, processes and procedures that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies, and participates with other ERCOT departments to select and implement system changes as needed

• Participates in multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies, and may provide on the job training or mentor less experienced engineers/analysts

Senior

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department and for renewable forecasting, leading the development and enhancement of operationally reliable wind and solar forecasts, applying data analysis, statistical, and AI/ML techniques to evaluate and help improve in-house wind and solar forecast models

• Makes independent decisions and resolves the most complex issues in creative and effective ways, drawing on expert use of power system software, database programs and knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices

• Leads ongoing forecast performance analysis, defines analytical methods, and ensures the accuracy of ERCOT forecasting reports

• Evaluates and refines the use of probabilistic forecasts and their integration into ERCOT methodologies

• Leads the evaluation and tuning of renewable parameters in ERCOT applications

• Leads the analysis of renewable telemetry performance and data quality, and develops tools and processes to detect and correct data issues

• Leads Pay-for-Performance (P4P) evaluation analyses and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the P4P methodology

• Identifies and scopes new forecasting use cases and emerging forecast product types, and provides technical evaluation of vendor forecast products and performance in support of procurement and SLA monitoring

• Serves as the primary technical coordination point between ERCOT meteorologists and control room staff on renewable forecasting matters, and defines requirements for ERCOT Forecast Presentation Platform (FPP) enhancements

• Leads multifunctional teams, presents and participates in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants and regulatory agencies, and acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts

EXPERIENCE

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

• Senior: Requires minimum 5 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree : Electrical Engineering or related field (Required)

• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

CERTIFICATION

• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred)

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management
• 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

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:

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.