Grid Transformation Lead

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Taylor, TX

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$145,295–$247,001 Per Year

LOCATION

Taylor, TX

POSTED

20 days ago

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. JOB SUMMARY This role develops a forward-looking vision for how ERCOT can anticipate and address the challenges of a transforming Texas electric grid. Drawing on deep expertise in power systems simulation, mathematical optimization, and emerging grid technologies, the individual will build analytical frameworks that strengthen grid readiness and continuously evolve as new techniques emerge. In this role, you will engage with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to advance ERCOT's capabilities at the forefront of this transition. JOB DUTIES Recognized as a subject matter expert, possessing specialized advanced technical skills and competencies. Frequently contributes to the development of new theories and methods using knowledge gained through wide-reaching experiences. Employs highly-developed problem resolution skills and expertise as a generalist or specialist using professional concepts and ERCOT objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Exerts significant latitude in determining objectives of assignment. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Wide latitude for decisions within area of expertise; impact generally extends beyond the department. Often advises and leads the work of junior employees. Could frequently perform in a program/project leadership role requiring the ability to develop and lead matrixed teams. Interacts with management and senior customers on matters requiring coordination across organizational lines. Applies simulation results to support planning studies, operational analyses, and grid transformation initiatives, including those addressing increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBR) and large loads Develops and documents simulation workflows, case management practices, and automation pipelines to improve reproducibility and efficiency of large-scale studies. Brings genuine intellectual curiosity and a drive to learn, actively engages with academic literature, industry research, open-source tooling, and collaborative forums to incorporate new ideas into ERCOT's analytical toolkit. Explores solution formats including white papers, research papers, proof-of-concept studies, pilot programs, and prototypes. Tracks trends and issues related to generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and assesses their potential impact on ERCOT. Proposes new or revised ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures to accommodate emerging solutions and market participation. Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders, raising awareness of relevant research and innovation activities. Builds and maintains formal and informal networks with energy research organizations, academic institutions, and industry consortiums including ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, EPRI, CEATI, and universities to share information, coordinate action, and foster cooperation. Identifies partnership and collaboration opportunities, establishing clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders, raising awareness of relevant research and innovation activities. Builds and maintains formal and informal networks with energy research organizations, academic institutions, and industry consortiums including ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, EPRI, CEATI, and universities to share information, coordinate action, and foster cooperation. Identifies partnership and collaboration opportunities, establishing clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. EXPERIENCE: Requires minimum 8 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements Minimum 8 years of experience in electric power grid operations and/or planning at a utility or an ISO or a vendor. Minimum 8 years of hand-on experience working with mathematical optimization, simulation engines, and open-source development. Demonstrated record of success in working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and successfully delivering solutions required. Some travel is required both within the US and internationally. Deep expertise in at least two simulation domains: steady-state power flows, AC/DC Security-Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF), Production Cost Modeling (PCM), or Capacity Expansion modeling. Strong understanding of the mathematical engines and numerical solvers underlying these tools, with the ability to interpret, validate, and communicate results with confidence. Applies simulation results to support planning studies, operational analyses, and grid transformation initiatives, including those addressing increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBR) and large loads. Develops and documents simulation workflows, case management practices, and automation pipelines to improve reproducibility and efficiency of large-scale studies. Deep understanding of commercial and open-source optimization engines including CPLEX, IPOPT, and Gurobi, encompassing LP, MIP, QP, and NLP formulations relevant to power systems. Ability to formulate, implement, and debug optimization models for applications such as OPF, unit commitment, dispatch, and resource adequacy. Leverages optimization tools to support ERCOT's analytical needs and contributes to novel solution approaches for emerging grid challenges. Proficiency in Python or C/C++, with working experience in version control tools such as GitHub and AI development toolkits. EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Operational research or related field (Required) Master's or PhD Degree: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Operational research or related field (Preferred) or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-Hybrid, #LI-IV1 ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law. Expected Salary Range: $145,295 - $247,001 The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers - representing about 90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generating units. ERCOT also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT's members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities (transmission and distribution providers,) and municipal-owned electric utilities. ERCOT offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, long/short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Account, and a Retirement Savings Plan. The medical, dental, vision, and quality-of-life benefits offered by ERCOT are second to none. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additionally, 401(k) plans are available to help employees plan for the future. The ERCOT Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to develop their skills in a professional work environment. Each intern will receive unique projects and assignments that aim to solve real challenges facing the electric industry. ERCOT internships provide professional learning experiences that offer meaningful, practical work related to each student's desired career path. Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an academic bachelors or post graduate degree program maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The ERCOT Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a 12- to 16-month, self-paced program geared toward entry-level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Through the program, an EDP Engineer receives one-on-one mentoring, specialized training, and exposure to the work performed by each of the engineering groups at ERCOT. The program allows engineers to develop the fundamental skills necessary to reach their full potential while gaining an understanding of the types of engineering work ERCOT has to offer. EDP management supports participants each step of the way as they progress through the program. Upon completion, graduates are placed as full-time engineers within one of ERCOT’s engineering groups. The GMS Development Program (GDP) is designed to provide entry-level and early career professionals with the skills necessary to become successful Power System and Computer Engineers. The program, which is based in ERCOT’s Grid and Market Solutions (GMS) Department, will provide experience in day-to-day work and instruction in the fundamentals of electric power systems engineering, grid and market applications, software programming, and IT service and operations management. The GDP offers one-on-one mentoring, training, field trips, and special assignments. These assignments allow GDP engineers to become knowledgeable and familiar with the various business areas at ERCOT. The GMS leadership team prepares GDP engineers for a future career at ERCOT in power systems and computer engineering. The System Operator Development Program (ODP) is intended to combine real-time daily operations in an exciting work setting to prepare participants with the vital skills necessary to be successful in such a critical position — providing 24x7x365 on-demand support to manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers. If you are new to the industry, this program introduces you to the Bulk Electric System by combining introductory courses with the NERC Certification Exam Preparation Program in preparation to pass the NERC Certification Exam.

About the Company

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

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