Principal Grid Planning Transformation

 Creates and communicates a vision which anticipates, identifies, and explains challenges and opportunities that ERCOT will encounter as the Texas electric power grid transforms. Develop approaches, processes, and solutions that require deep technical expertise in Inverter based resources (IBR) controls, PSCAD & PSSE modelling/simulation skills, and grid stability concepts to help drive Grid Transformation programs and initiatives using highly skilled matrixed resources from across the organization to drive solutions for upcoming grid challenges.

• Recognized as a subject matter expert, possessing specialized advanced technical skills and competencies.  Frequently contributes to the development of new theories and methods using knowledge gained through wide-reaching experiences.
• Employs highly-developed problem resolution skills and expertise as a generalist or specialist using professional concepts and ERCOT objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.  Exerts significant latitude in determining objectives of assignment.  Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Wide latitude for decisions within area of expertise; impact generally extends beyond the department.
• Often advises and leads the work of lower level employees.  Could frequently perform in a program/project leadership role requiring the ability to develop and lead matrixed teams.   Interacts with management and senior customers on matters requiring coordination across organizational lines.

• Serves as a subject matter expert
• Expands the company’s capabilities and innovation in engineering and grid planning
• Leading projects
• Represents ERCOT on panels, committees, and advisory boards
• Provides technical expertise and performs, leads and coordinates analysis
• Interprets document guidelines, assesses operational procedures, and recommends changes
• Reports and tracks trends and issues related to emerging generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and the potential impacts to ERCOT.
• Employs highly developed problem resolution skills to understand if the issue is driven by specific model, network interaction or platform issues.  
• Continuous pursuit of system level improvements coming up with increased penetration of IBR based generation and power electronics based large loads.
• Determines what issues need to be brought to upper management’s attention for action and provides them with background information and options for addressing those issues.
• Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders and brings awareness of research and innovation activities.
• Explores various solution modalities such as white papers, research papers, proof of concepts, pilot programs, and prototype developments.
• Develops and manages both formal and informal networks and relationships with energy research and innovation eco-systems, global academic institutions, and industry consortiums to gather information, coordinate action, and build cooperation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Explores partnerships and collaboration opportunities and establishes clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. Examples include ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, Universities, EPRI, CEATI, etc.
• Proposes new or changes to existing ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures which would allow market participation of the various emerging solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

• Minimum 10 years of experience in electric power grid operations and/or planning at a utility or an ISO or a vendor directly related to this area of expertise.
• Minimum 8 years of hand-on experience working with inverter controls, large scale grid simulations, and in-depth use of PSSE and PSCAD.
• Demonstrated record of success in working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and successfully delivering solutions required.
• Requires first principles understanding of inverter and plant controls deployed in solar, wind, and battery plants. Experience with controls and power electronics modelling of power electronics loads like power supplies, UPS, and electrolyzes is a plus
• Requires deep expertise in using Python automation to run PSSE and PSCAD simulations including advanced concepts like parallel computing usage, PSSE-PSCAD case transfer, use of simulation snapshots etc.
• Requires deep expertise of key concepts in power flow, protection, and stability including knowledge of various forms of control interaction, inter-area oscillations, inertia requirements, and voltage stability
• Understanding of and direct experience with IEEE 2800, IEEE 1547, IEEE 519 and other IBR related standards is a plus.
• Some travel may be required.

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