Sr. Operations Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Operations Engineer (Engineer) is responsible for providing technical support and analysis to system operations and field operations staff. In this role, the engineer will be responsible for responding to operational issues such as technical shift questions from system operators and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), equipment issues, and troubleshooting efforts. The engineer will also be responsible for modeling system outage requirements, updating operational models, developing standard operating procedures, and establishing collaboration protocols between internal and external stakeholders. Lastly, the engineer will provide direction and oversight for WETT’s synchronous condenser assets as a primary job function.

This position will be located in Austin, TX, and will report to the Operations Director.

DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

System Operations:

• Lead WETT’s synchronous condenser program as operations engineering subject matter expert.
• Provide real time monitoring, predictive and preventative maintenance, and overall operations and troubleshooting support for WETT synchronous condenser assets.
• Participate and assist system operators during real time events and emergencies.
• Provide technical shift support to system operators and operations field staff (i.e. system operating parameters and voltage analysis; relay operation review, system alarm investigation).
• Serve as technical lead/liaison between operations and WETT engineering/planning department.
• Lead ERCOT market notice reviews and response coordination (i.e. GMD, voltage profile, HITE list).
• Perform annual technical procedural reviews/updates and coordinate approvals with stakeholders.
• Support WETT’s Network Operations Model Change Request (NOMCR) process with ERCOT.
• Assist WETT’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) team by investigating SCADA alarm functions/limits, areas for improvement, and technical enhancements.   
• Coordinate relay event reports review with WETT’s protection and control engineers and field technicians.
• Participate and provide input during new project design reviews - review and provide feedback on applicable new project drawings and operational design requirements.
• Support development of technical operating documents.
• Attend various working groups as WETT’s representative (voltage profile working group, operations working group, network data support working group).

 Outage Coordination:  

• The Engineer will be responsible for modeling outage requests prior to submittal to ERCOT. Real time outage modeling will also be required on an as needed basis.
• Proficiency in ERCOT’s System Operations Test Environment (SOTE) outage modeling platform.
• Proficiency with Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSSE).
• Coordinate with internal WETT stakeholders when submitted outages cannot be requested due to system overloads, contingencies, and other operational violations.
• Assist with neighboring Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and external stakeholder outage coordination efforts.
• Support identifying switching solutions for requested outages, contingencies, and other system limits.
• Study overall system conditions to identify outage opportunities (i.e. low load cases, possible outage durations, overlapping outages).

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS (enter as a bulleted list)

• Education:     
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology is required.
• Skills and Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years work experience in transmission system operations is required.
  • Candidate must be familiar with ERCOT nodal protocols and operating guides.
  • Experience with rotating equipment and synchronous machine technology is preferred.
  • Prior technical experience working in power plant environments is preferred.
  • Experience with ERCOT System Operations Test Environment (SOTE).
  • Experience with ERCOT Network Operations Model Change Request (NOMCR) process.
  • Experience with Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSSE).
• Certificates & Licenses:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in state of Texas is preferred.
• Computer Skills:
  • Ability to use and quickly comprehend computer based systems utilized for content management, data entry, data tracking, and work processes.
  • Ability to create presentations, charts, tables, and graphs for data illustration.
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook).
  • Experience with utilizing various ERCOT tools such as outage scheduling, SOTE, NOMCR.
  • Knowledge of PSSE or other similar power system modeling programs
  • Familiarity with control systems such as Siemens T3000.
• Competencies:
  • Power systems.
  • Protection systems.
  • Synchronous and induction machine technology.
  • Electrical schematic and control/protection circuit interpretation.
  • Understanding of AC/DC diagrams.
  • Single line diagrams.
  • General understanding of SCADA systems

JOB PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Job progression opportunities include expanding the operations engineering team by training future staff, bolstering external and internal stakeholder coordination efforts (i.e. ERCOT, neighboring utilities, internal staff) and establishing an internal operations engineering controls program. Progression will be reviewed with supervisor based on department needs, growth, and the individual’s performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Majority of work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items, walk short distances, climb stairs, and remain sedentary for extended periods of time.

Other Physical Requirements: During field visits to Big Spring, TX, candidate must be able to wear steel-toed boots, protective eyewear, high visibility vest, and hearing protection. This position may be required to work outdoors during inclement weather. Ability to drive and travel by car for long periods of time is required. Regular field visits to Big Spring, TX will be required. On average, the candidate will be required to travel to Big Spring once per quarter. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in-office, hybrid schedule of normal operating hours. Noise level is usually quiet but can be moderate in other situations. Conditions may vary when supporting field activities in Big Spring. See physical requirements above.