Experienced Energy Operations

Experienced Energy Operations & Performance Analysis Engineer for Grid Reliability

Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE) is hiring We are seeking an experienced Energy Operations & Performance Analysis Engineer to join our Reliability Assessments & Performance Analysis (RAPA) team to analyze system performance data, analyze system disturbance data, and assess risks to the reliability and resiliency of the bulk power system.

Who We Are

At Texas RE, we affect the lives of millions of people by ensuring effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the Bulk Power System within the ERCOT Interconnection. The ERCOT Interconnection is located within the State of Texas and includes approximately 90% of Texas’s electric load and 75% of its land area. Texas RE’s teams support this this mission while enjoying a flexible work environment, open collaboration, and a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Texas RE employees work a hybrid work schedule consisting of at least two days in the office with the option of working three days remotely. Additional in-office work may be required depending on project scopes. The considered candidate will be required to reside in the Austin-metro area or be able to reliably commute to the office within a reasonable amount of time.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field of study
• Experience in Bulk Power System operations including providing technical interpretation on engineering studies
• Experience with NERC Reliability Standards
• Experience with real time system operations

• Experience with technical analysis of power system performance and disturbances

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Team contributor with initiative
• Ability to develop accurate, concise reports and presentations

Position Summary

This role supports Texas RE’s mission through the for collection and analysis of power systems information to monitor and report on bulk power system reliability, resilience, energy assurance and resource adequacy. The role entails leadership and support of NERC and Regional initiatives to identify issues and risks, measure performance and encourage collaboration among the owners, users, and operators of the bulk power system to mitigate risks identified. This role requires:

• Extensive understanding of electric power systems operation and planning;
• Familiarity with models, data and tools used to simulate and measure system conditions;
• Knowledge of documents related to NERC programs and ERCOT wholesale markets.

Other duties include representing Texas RE in working groups with industry subject matter experts; developing reports, plans and procedures; and presenting technical material to audiences in workshops and seminars.

Essential Job Duties

• Collect and interpret available power system data to support investigations and assessments related to reliability and adequacy of the bulk power system. Write requests for supplemental information, using site visits, interviews, surveys and other means of data collection as needed.
• Coordinate Regional data collection for NERC programs, contribute to analysis for trends and issues, and assist in projects to improve NERC databases.
• Organize, maintain, and analyze datasets collected from NERC Section 1600 data requests and other ERCOT sources.
• Extract and transform data and assess its quality.
• Analyze complex datasets to find trends and inform of risk and mitigation activities.
• Prepare reports for management that explain trends and predictions using relevant data.
• Help build data collection, analysis, and visualization capabilities and expertise.
• Work with peers to accelerate ERO Enterprise analytical capabilities and strategic use of data.
• Conduct technical analysis of power system disturbances and incidents to establish sequence of events, determine root cause, and develop recommendations for areas to improve or best practices.
• Prepare reports and presentations on activities to TRE, ERCOT and NERC groups.
• Maintain working knowledge of NERC Rules of Procedure and Reliability Standards, Federal and State regulations and ERCOT Protocols, as well as trends and technology changes affecting the bulk power system.
• Support compliance and enforcement activities involving NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT Protocols, using formal compliance processes, and evaluate proposed Standards changes.
• Represent Texas RE in NERC and stakeholder meetings and forums
  
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years (in excess of degree/experience requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience in a power system planning or operating environment, using specialized applications for power system modeling and analysis and/or energy management systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in data analytics and management.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python) and business intelligence software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Experience using advanced analytical techniques to process data.

• Ability to travel up to 20%, locally and out-of-state

Job Competencies

• Effective written and verbal communication to diverse audience backgrounds
• Consensus building, team leadership and conflict management skills
• Ability to effectively and efficiently collaborate with team members and cross-functionally across the organization, as well as with external stakeholders
• Ability and desire to integrate information to identify risks to the operation of BPS, as well as influence the direction and mitigation activities for risks both at organization and NERC level
• Ability to analyze and reach decisions on complex technical issues
• Capacity for managing multiple projects with changing priorities
• Attention to detail for timely and accurate completion of work
• Proficiency in MS Office environment and in use of specialized applications used by the group
• Commitment to continuous learning

Company Highlights and Benefits

Employees work a hybrid work schedule consisting of at least two days in the office with the option of working three days remotely. Additional in-office work may be required depending on project scopes. Additionally, employees have the option to take advantage of Flexible Friday, where employees may shift working hours to earlier in the week instead of on Friday after noon.

Texas RE pays 100% of employee-only coverage for medical, dental, vision, life and ADD, short-term and long-term disability, and long-term care insurance, as well as the employee assistance program. Additional benefits are offered at a minimal cost to the employee such as dependent medical, dental, voluntary life and ADD for employees, spouses, and children, additional long-term care coverage for family members, legal services and identity protection.

Texas RE provides a generous 401(k) or Roth 401(k) savings plan for employees, contributing 10% of an employee’s compensation towards the retirement plan with full vesting after three (3) years. Additionally, Texas RE will match 75%, up to 6%, of employee contributions, with vesting at 20% per year and full vesting at five (5) years of employment.

Additional Information for Applicants

• Background checks (including criminal history and drug screening, education and employment verification) will be conducted prior to employment.
• Certain positions require travel outside the U.S.; valid passport necessary for those positions.
• Texas RE has restrictions on employee and employee’s household members’ employment and financial relationships with NERC registered entities. Additional details furnished upon request.

Texas RE is committed to attracting top talent from a diverse candidate pool. During the interview process, candidates will meet with a cross-section of Texas RE employees who bring a broad set of perspectives to the discussion. Our inclusive, friendly work environment encourages employees to collaborate across and outside of our organization, while also offering opportunities for personal growth. Our team of professional, technical, and administrative staff derives its collective strength from our varied backgrounds.

Texas RE is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, and pregnancy), religion, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or other status protected by law.