EMS Engineer

Company Overview

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas -- the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Management is a NAES Company.

Position Overview

Gridforce Energy Management is seeking an EMS (Energy Management System) Engineer to join our IT Operations team. Our Energy Management System serves as the foundation upon which our diverse portfolio of services are built to meet the needs of our clients. Our EMS Engineers serve as Subject Matter Experts (SME) in maintaining the key real-time applications in control room which requires strong power systems analysis knowledge and extensive system operations support experience.

Position Responsibilities

• Create and update various devices in a network model for multiple transmission areas in North America using GE’s e-terrasource
• Work with a team to maintain the network model and make necessary updates
• Responsible for programming, technical support, design, implementation, and maintenance of all EMS/SCADA-related hardware and software
• Maintain a clear understanding of applicable FERC, NERC, WECC and Regional Standards Procedures and Guidelines in support of Gridforce's ongoing compliance programs
• Conduct point-to-point checkouts of all new field devices prior to commissioning
• Quickly troubleshoot all EMS/SCADA hardware and RTU problems in order to minimize outages and adverse business impacts
• Participate in Disaster Recovery drills and contribute to Gridforce's Business Continuity Management process
• Advise management on various reliability issues, EMS tools performance gaps, and potential need for new analysis software/technology development
• Participate in major EMS vendor software enhancements/new product implementation, acceptance testing and deployment in production successfully and cost effectively

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This role requires sitting at a desk, using a computer workstation, to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms, climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk and hear. 

Work Schedule

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some travel may be required to meet client or project requirements. Work is performed on industrial sites when traveling.

Fit for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the office building.

Compensation

The initial annual salary will range from $133,500 to $153,500

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and commensurate work experience resulting in demonstrated ability to perform position responsibilities

Experience/Skills

• 3+ years’ experience and skills in Alstom Grid/GE Advanced Network applications (RTNET, STNET, RTCA, etc.)
• Experience and skills in Alstom Grid/GE Habitat and database modeling environment
• 5+ years’ direct experience working in an engineering or operations support role at a major electric utility, Reliability Coordinator, or ISO/RTO
• Alstom Grid/GE e-terraSource
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings
• Experience and skills in Alstom Grid/GE display builder
• Experience with SCADA communication protocols (ICCP, DNP3.0, Modbus, etc.)
• Excellent business writing and communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver clear, concise presentations
• Able to provide on-call support for production systems outside of normal work hours
• Able to pass a NERC CIP background check
• Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

Education

• Master’s degree in a power-emphasis electrical engineering program, or related field.

Experience/Skills

• Experience with and knowledge of power scheduling and e-tagging (e.g., OATI, MCG or similar technology)
• Knowledge of database design and development using Microsoft SQL Server in a .NET environment
• Proficient in Perl, Java, C#, C++ and VB.NET, with good knowledge of their ecosystems
• Understanding of fundamental design principles for building a scalable application
• Good understanding of WAN/LAN technology (MPLS, DMVPN, VPN, etc.)
• Familiarity managing Windows Server configurations, security patches and applications

Performance

All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer’s needs are being met. 

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times.  Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property.  Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures.  Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

Qualifications Skills Preferred Electrical Engineering Fundamentals Some Knowledge MS Office Suite Intermediate NERC Reliability Standards Compliance Some Knowledge SCADA - Supervisory Control/Data Acquisition Intermediate Technical Support Intermediate Verbal and Written Communications Advanced Behaviors Preferred Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Education Preferred Bachelors or better. Masters or better. Experience Preferred Engineering or operations support in electric utility, Reliability Coordinator, or ISO/RTO. Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.