Power System Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position is available in a hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the close supervision of the Manager, develops skills and knowledge towards complex engineering projects and assignments, supports power system studies, integrates, enhances and supports advanced applications.  Acts as coordinator and tester in the design, engineering and testing of market software (Real Time and Day Ahead Market Applications) and network applications (State Estimator (SE), Real Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA), Dispatcher load Flow etc. in EMS) software.  Anticipates, identifies and resolves engineering-related problems or potential problems within assigned areas, and may propose solutions to such issues.  Coordinates software changes with other internal departments and with associated vendors as appropriate.  Provides technical support and business rule support to other departments and external entities relating to market and reliability operations. Participate in various customer initiatives including but not limited to Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) and Reliability Coordination (RC).

What's In It for You

Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

• You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
• You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
• You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing

• Performs functional and regression testing of existing applications and new features added in the domain of Day-Ahead/Real-time Market, Market Quality Solutions and Transmission Network Applications (State Estimator (SE) and Real Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) in EMS, Voltage Stability Analysis (VSA) and Dynamic Stability Analysis (DSA).  Validates that software and network model meets the business rules, policies, and operation reliability.
   
• Provides support to the operations floor (including occasionally scheduled in-person), including day-ahead, hour-ahead and real-time desks.  Provides training, guidance, and supervisory support for on-call staff as appropriate.
   
• Demonstrates knowledge of policy issues and related matters. Anticipates, identifies and resolves engineering-related problems and potential problems within assigned areas. 
   
• Maintains the current applications, analyzes system errors from multiple angles, and works with others to determine the root cause of the problem.  Focuses on prompt recovery of the system and provides timely problem resolution.   
   
• Partners with other staff to define functional requirements for Market Operations and advanced Network Applications and increase mutual understanding of the capability of optional computer solutions to satisfy needs. 
   
• Integrates, enhances, improves, tests, and supports Day-Ahead Market (DAM), Real-Time Market, Market Quality Services (MQS) applications as well as other advanced applications related to operations. 
   
• Performs the duties needed to supplement designing, testing and documenting user training or other such activities, when necessary. 
   
• Requires 24/7 on-call support (as part of a rotation with the team).

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power Systems, Computer Science or related technical field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• This is an entry level position, no experience is required.

Certifications:

• FE exam or EIT preferred.

Type of Experience:

• Experience with one or more of the following is required: 
  • Power Systems
  • Power Systems Operations
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS)
  • Advanced network applications
  • CIMXML
  • Real-time systems
  • Market operation
  • Web services
  • Oracle
  • SQL
• Prior internship or project work within the Utility Industry strongly preferred. 

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail. 
• Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential. 
• Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations. 
• Problem solving skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority.  
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. 
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

The pay range for the Associate Power Systems Technology Engineer position is $40.49 - $56.68 per hour.