Grid Transformation Lead – Distribution & DERs

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.

This role will be responsible for creating and communicating a vision which anticipates, identifies, and explains challenges and opportunities that ERCOT will encounter as the Texas electric power grid transforms. This role will develop approaches, processes, and solutions that allows ERCOT to maximize its effectiveness and progressively achieve higher levels of readiness. This position requires deep understanding of the electric power distribution systems, modeling, engineering analysis, Distributed Energy Resources (DER) technologies and communication protocols to drive Grid Transformation programs and initiatives using highly skilled matrixed resources from across the organization to drive solutions for upcoming grid challenges.

• Broadly applies principles, theories and concepts related to the profession. A seasoned, experienced professional with an in-depth/full understanding of area of specialization.
• May provide recommendations regarding issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Wide latitude for decisions within assignments, programs and projects; impact is generally limited to the project or department.
• Acts as a resource to advise, and may at times a lead the work of lower level professional and/or support employees. Generally represents the department on projects and may perform in a project leadership role.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Possess fundamental understanding of distribution systems like feeder electrical characteristics, reclosing schemes, head-end substation connection, hosting capacity, and end user metering.
• Possess understanding of distribution system network modeling and the ability to perform load-flow studies.
• Possess fundamental understanding of (DERs) technologies like solar, batteries, EVs, thermostats, heating/cooling systems etc, in terms of underlying physics, grid impacts, and interconnection standards.
• Deep understanding of various communication protocols like Open ADR, 2030.5, DNP3, ICCP, REST API that are used to interface with different individual DERs and aggregation platforms like Distribution Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS), Virtual Power Plants (VPP), Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Demand Resource Management Systems (DRMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS) etc.
• Direct experience developing or working on platforms like DERMS, ADMS, DRMS, EMS etc in terms of software stack, database handling, cloud implementation, and NERC-CIP protocols.
• Employs highly developed problem resolution skills and expertise to understand various aspects of distribution systems, impacts of distribution on transmission systems, and situational awareness tools to manage upcoming grid planning & operation challenges due to increase in DERs penetration.
• Experience working with any cloud infrastructure, containerized applications, and relational databases to build data intensive applications with millions of data points with both static and time-series data. 
• Experience with Common Information Model (CIM) is a plus.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for DER integration and grid operations is a plus.
• Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders and brings awareness of research and innovation activities.
• Explores various solution modalities such as white papers, research papers, proof of concepts, pilot programs, and prototype developments.
• Reports and tracks trends and issues related to emerging generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and the potential impacts to ERCOT.
• Develops and manages both formal and informal networks and relationships with energy research and innovation eco-systems, global academic institutions, and industry consortiums to gather information, coordinate action, and build cooperation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Explores partnerships and collaboration opportunities and establishes clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. Examples include ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, G-PST, Universities, EPRI, CEATI, etc.
• Proposes new or changes to existing ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures which would allow market participation of the various emerging solutions.
   

EXPERIENCE

• Requires minimum 8 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electric power distribution and DERMS/ADMS/DRMS at a utility or an ISO or a vendor with deep understanding of IEEE interconnection standards and communications protocols. Experience with CIM model is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with technology development and delivery either at a utility or an ISO or a vendor preferred.
• Demonstrated record of success in managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and successfully delivering solutions required.
• Some travel may be required.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree : Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Required)
• Master's Degree : Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Preferred)
• PhD : Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, 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.

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