Generation Integration Engineer 2

Generation Integration Engineer – Small Generation is responsible for coordinating the integration of generation and energy storage resources into the ERCOT System from the initial application for entry into the Generation Interconnection or Change Request (GINR) process to the approval for commercial operations. This responsibility will include performing security screening studies, reviewing and approving Full Interconnection Study (FIS) scope and study reports, reviewing small generator System Impact Studies, reviewing ERCOT Provisional Conditions for Interconnection and Operation of Qualified Distribution Generation Resources (DGRs), review of the Standard Generation Interconnection Agreement (SGIA), review of compliance with ERCOT protocols and market rules, development and approval of modeling data for all phases of the interconnection, support for modeling the generation resource in the Network Model Management System (NMMS) model, Commissioning Plan review and Energization, Synchronization, and Commissioning checklist completion.

• Analyzes transmission network data including Transmission and Generation element parameters
• Works closely with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning and Metering
• Works with EMS and Transmission Planning load flow, Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP), and other analysis software to provide accurate power system models and associated cases
• Supports detailed model changes delivered by Network Operations Model Change Requests (NOMCRs) and Planning Model Change Requests (PMCRs) to maintain an accurate Network Operations Model, Annual Planning and other models contained within the ERCOT modeling system
• Assists with the validation of the Network Model Management (NMMS) and Model On Demand (MOD) databases, testing of the models and associated power flows
• Creates and utilizes data mining mechanisms and techniques to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency
• Provides training and evaluation of members of the Engineering Development Program (EDP)
• Coordinates and works with the NDSWG (Network Data Support Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via the NOMCR process
• Coordinates and works with the SSWG (Steady State Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via the PMCR process
• Coordinates and works with the SPWG (System Protection Working Group) members on data exchange and transmission network model maintenance via ASPEN and PSSE change files
• Reviews new technology implementations that affect the model, suggesting and implementing methods to accurately model these technologies
• Develops, maintains, and supports database infrastructure, model data exchange interfaces, and data export formats
• Manage updates and upgrades of NMMS and MOD applications to specify and implement desired new functionality
• Reviews and develops methods to increase model accuracy including data comparisons and validity checks
• Reviews Contingencies, Special Protection Systems, Remedial Action Plans, Mitigation Action Plans, Outages, and other issues that possibly affect models
• Reviews, drafts, and implements improvements to the modeling process
• Reviews, drafts, and presents: changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for EDP and for Market Participants (MPs), and other supporting ERCOT documents relative to modeling
• Develops, enhances, and maintains reports associated with Protocol and Guide compliance criteria
• Provide comments and SME review of relevant NERC Standards up to and including participation on NERC Standard Drafting teams

Essential Job Duties and Tasks:

Level 1

• Works under the direction of a senior level engineer or supervisor/manager to complete departmental goals and assignments
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures
• Learns how to use and develop software tools that enhance system reliability and departmental/organizational efficiencies
• Under direct supervision, participates in teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies

Engineer 2 & 3

• Manages the integration of generation and energy storage resources through the entire generation interconnection process from the initial application to the approval for the commercial operations.
• Ensures that the interconnection of generation and energy storage resources are accomplished in a manner that maintains the reliability of the ERCOT System and complies with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols, Planning Guide and the Operating Guides.
• Works closely with Market Participants (MPs), including Interconnecting Entities (IEs), Resource entities (REs), Distribution Service Providers (DSPs), and Transmission Service Providers (TSPs).
• Works closely with ERCOT System Operations, System Operations Support, Market Operating Services Support, Client Services, System Planning and Metering.
• Reviews and processes generation interconnection and full interconnection study (FIS) applications.
• Performs security screening studies to determine first contingency incremental transfer capability for each interconnection request.
• Attends FIS kickoff meetings, communicates and works with MPs and other ERCOT departments to solve issues related to generation interconnection projects.
• Attends Small Generator Review meetings between Interconnecting Entity, ERCOT and TDSPs for initial discussion on small generator interconnection process and general project information
• Review and approve submitted interconnection agreements, TSP and DSP study results, and generator technical specifications for submittal of model information.
• Review and approve DSP appropriate studies (System Impact Studies) to confirm DSP system will not preclude the DGR’s compliance with ERCOT’s requirements
• Review and approve any operational limitations due to DSP systems, as well as TDSP required system upgrades, timeline for those upgrades and sufficient financial security has been provided
• Reviews and approves Reactive Study reports, FIS scope and reports, and SGIA.
• Reviews and approves modeling data for all phases of the interconnection process, supports Network Modeling to model the generation resource in the NMMS model.
• Reviews Commissioning Plan and Energization, Synchronization, and Commissioning checklists.
• Reviews commissioning testing data, including but not limited to AVR/PSS, PFR and Reactive tests.
• Develops and maintains tools that automates the studies, reviews, and other processes.
• Provides training to less experienced engineers.
  Reviews, drafts, and implements improvements to the interconnection and modeling process
• Reviews, drafts, and presents changes to the Protocols, Guides, procedures, training material for other engineers and for MPs, and other supporting ERCOT documents relative to modeling.

Senior - Above +

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department            
• Makes independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios            
• Works on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Has the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways            
• May coordinate, provide presentations, and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants and industry Regulatory agencies            
• Fosters and leverages strong working relationships with team and other internal departments            
• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager            
• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts            
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments and perform studies            
• Demonstrates skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs            
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices

EXPERIENCE

• No minimum work experience required in excess of degree requirements 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience as a power system engineer or similar type role preferred      
• Experience within the electric utility industry preferred

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

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at minimum 2 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

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. #LI-Hybrid

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: