Experienced Energy Reliability Engineer/Analyst

Experienced Energy Reliability Engineer/Analyst

Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE) is hiring! The Texas power grid is changing rapidly as economics, technology, and customer demands push the power industry to new limits. At the same time, what used to be low-probability events, such as extreme weather and cybersecurity breaches, are now occurring at a pace that has not been seen before. Help Texas RE further our important work by joining our team as an Experience Energy Reliability Engineer/Analyst.

Texas RE’s Reliability Services department supports Texas RE’s reliability mission through the development of regional and national reliability assessments, performance and event analyses, as well as maintains Texas RE’s situational awareness regarding daily grid conditions. This team plays a key role in delivering an independent review and technically rigorous and intellectually honest analyses that are fundamental to mitigating existing and emerging risks in the ERCOT Interconnection.

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. 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. 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:

• Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience in a planning or operating environment, using specialized applications for power system modeling and analysis and/or energy management systems.
• Background applicable to bulk power system issues
• Experience performing probabilistic and deterministic analysis for energy and resource adequacy assessments preferred

Summary of Responsibilities

This position is responsible for collection and analysis of power systems information to monitor and report on bulk power system reliability, resilience, and adequacy, including energy and resource adequacy. The role entails leadership and support of NERC and Regional initiatives to identify issues, measure performance and encourage collaboration among the owners, users and operators of the bulk power system. It requires: extensive understanding of electric power systems operation and planning; familiarity with models, data and tools used to simulate and measure system conditions; and 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

• Research and interpret power system data to support inquiries and assessments related to reliability, resilience, and adequacy, including energy adequacy, of the bulk power system. Write requests for information needed to support inquiries, assessments, and analysis of the bulk power system. Lead site visits and interviews to gather information; utilize surveys and other means of data collection as needed.
• Analyze results from system studies, historical data and software tools to identify and assess power system risks, and to determine the impact of facilities and practices on bulk power system reliability.
• Coordinate Regional data collection for NERC programs, review data for quality and completeness, and assist in projects to improve NERC and Regional databases.
• Conduct, or assist with, technical analysis of power system disturbances and incidents to establish sequence of events, determine root cause, and develop recommendations for areas to improve best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on NERC Reliability Standards, guidelines, procedures, ERCOT Protocols and other binding documents, industry standards and related material to support Texas RE’s programs. Provide comments as requested and mentor other staff members.
• Maintain working knowledge of NERC Rules of Procedure, Reliability Standards, Reliability Guidelines and associated technical documents, FERC Orders, PUCT regulations, ERCOT Protocols and other binding documents, IEEE and other electric power industry standards, as well as trends and technology affecting the bulk power system.
• Participate in NERC and ERCOT technical subject matter expert groups and stay abreast of developments affecting the electric power industry.
• Develop reports and presentations on activities, findings and issues related to bulk power system operations.
• Present material to and participate in workshops, conferences, and seminars as a representative of Texas RE.
• Follow procedures, schedules and plans used for NERC and internal programs, and assist in development and evaluation of group practices.
• Manage information in accordance with data management policies per Texas RE, NERC and other expectations.
• Support Texas RE departments handling registration, risk assessment, compliance, enforcement, and standards efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum of years (in excess of degree/experience requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience in a planning or operating environment, using specialized applications for power system modeling and analysis and/or energy management systems.
• Background applicable to bulk power system issues with commitment to continuous learning.
• Effective written and verbal communication to diverse audience backgrounds.
• Consensus building, team leadership and conflict management skills for extensive group tasks.
• 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.
• Sedentary work.
• Occasional travel, up to 20%, locally and out-of-area.

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.