Planning Engineer Lead

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. JOB SUMMARY Performs advanced electrical engineering analysis and provides technical leadership in support of power system dynamic stability, reliability, and transmission planning activities. The primary focus of this position is the execution and leadership of large-scale dynamic stability studies, including the evaluation of generator performance, inverter-based resources, large load behavior, and overall system response under a wide range of operating conditions. Develops and applies power system models, analytical methods, tools, and procedures to assess system reliability and performance. Conducts complex engineering studies, analyzes simulation results, identifies reliability risks, develops mitigation recommendations, and communicates technical findings to internal and external stakeholders. The Lead Engineer serves as a senior technical contributor, leading engineering assignments and supporting the development and continuous improvement of protocols, study processes, methodologies, and automation tools. JOB DUTIES Lead and perform large-scale dynamic stability studies to evaluate system performance, reliability, and compliance with planning and operating criteria. Analyze transient, small-signal, and voltage stability performance of the ERCOT system under a variety of operating conditions and contingencies. Evaluate generator, inverter-based resource, and large load dynamic performance and their impacts on system reliability. Develop study assumptions, methodologies, and analytical approaches for complex dynamic performance assessments. Support the development, validation, maintenance, and application of power system dynamic models. Analyze simulation results, identify reliability concerns, and develop technically sound recommendations to mitigate system risks. Develop and enhance engineering tools, automation processes, and analytical workflows using Python or similar programming languages. Collaborate with internal teams, Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), Market Participants, consultants, and other stakeholders on system performance and planning issues. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management, stakeholders, and industry working groups. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and analysts and support the review of engineering work products. Support continuous improvement of dynamic study processes, modeling practices, and planning methodologies. Support compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT planning requirements. EXPERIENCE Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in power system engineering, transmission planning, system performance analysis, or a related field within the electric utility industry. Extensive experience performing large-scale dynamic stability studies using industry-standard simulation tools such as PSS®E, TSAT, and/or PowerWorld. Familiarity with electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis concepts and applications. Experience conducting dynamic model validation, model quality testing, and performance assessments of generation resources and inverter-based resources. Extensive experience in the development and maintenance of flat-start cases used for dynamic stability studies. Experience analyzing large load dynamic behavior, including data centers, industrial facilities, and other emerging load types. Experience developing simulation automation tools and engineering workflows using Python or similar programming languages. Experience assessing power system stability issues, including oscillatory performance and sub-synchronous oscillations. Experience leading complex technical studies or cross-functional engineering projects. Working knowledge of transmission planning principles and applicable NERC Reliability Standards. QUALIFICATIONS Familiarity with ERCOT Protocol, Planning Guide, and Nodal Operating Guide. Experience using PSCAD tools for EMT analysis. Experience with inverter-based resource performance assessments and model validation. Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure. 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 WORK LOCATION: This position is Hybrid. Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 2-3 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management On-site schedules are flexible or may be rotated based on business needs as determined by the Manager 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 Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT. 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: $144,000 - $198,000 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 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. 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. 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. The GMS Development Program (GDP) is designed to provide entry-level and early career professionals with the skills necessary to become successful Power System and Computer Engineers. The program, which is based in ERCOT’s Grid and Market Solutions (GMS) Department, will provide experience in day-to-day work and instruction in the fundamentals of electric power systems engineering, grid and market applications, software programming, and IT service and operations management. The GDP offers one-on-one mentoring, training, field trips, and special assignments. These assignments allow GDP engineers to become knowledgeable and familiar with the various business areas at ERCOT. The GMS leadership team prepares GDP engineers for a future career at ERCOT in power systems and computer engineering. 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.