EMS Engineer 2

Company Overview

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas -- the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Manage is a NAES Company.

Summary

The Energy Management System (EMS) Engineer serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in maintaining the key real-time applications in the Control Room which requires strong power systems analysis knowledge and extensive system operations support experience.

Primary Duties

• Responsible for programming, technical support, design, implementation, and maintenance of all EMS/SCADA-related hardware and software
• Maintain a clear understanding of applicable FERC, NERC, WECC and Regional Standards Procedures and Guidelines in support of Gridforce's ongoing compliance programs
• Conduct point-to-point checkouts of all new field devices prior to commissioning
• Quickly troubleshoot all EMS/SCADA hardware and RTU problems in order to minimize outages and adverse business impacts
• Participate in Disaster Recovery drills and contribute to Gridforce's Business Continuity Management process
• Advise management on various reliability issues, EMS tools performance gaps, and potential need for new analysis software/technology development
• Participate in major EMS vendor software enhancements/new product implementation, acceptance testing and deployment in production successfully and cost effectively
• Perform code build, patch implementation and migrations across the portfolio of EMS applications, servers and hardware

Working Relationships

The EMS Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering and Information Systems and works with other members of the Gridforce Application team.

Compensation

The initial compensation will range from $98,300 to $115,000

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education or equivalent. Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Years of Experience:
  • Two years of experience working in an engineering or operations support role at a major electric utility, reliability coordinator, or ISO/RTO.
  • Experience supporting GE-Alstrom e-terra Energy Management System (AREVA)
  • Experience with SCADA communication protocols (ICCP, DP3.0, Modbus)

• Licenses/Certification: NERC CIP

• Software/Equipment Knowledge: GE-Alstrom e-terra Energy Management System (AREVA)

• Other Considerations:
  • Excellent business writing and communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver clear, concise presentations.
  • Able to provide on-call support for production systems outside of normal working hours.
  • Knowledge and experience with CIP requirements, working in and maintaining a CIP compliance environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to lift 40lbs. Must be able to travel to remote control centers or business locations that are located in Houston and the Dallas area. This position works in an office environment. Will require some travel. Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Will need to be available 24 hours in case of emergencies. Will be a member of an on-call rotation that provides support 24 hours a day.

Fit for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times.  Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property.  Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures.  Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select the individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.