Sr Power Systems Engineer (NERC Compliance)

What you will do

Role Overview:

The Operations Compliance Sr Engineer will provide engineering support to the ROCC, High Voltage Operations, and Operational Technology teams in the areas of compliance, process effectiveness, betterment of project development, and interdepartmental communication. This position will have emphasis placed on compliance with NERC PRC and MOD Reliability Standards.

This position will be on a hybrid work schedule, working three days in the office and two days from home.

Main responsibilities:

• Ensure high standard of compliance of EDPR NA power plants with all applicable NERC PRC and MOD Reliability Standards by preparing, reviewing, and submitting generator models for new and existing renewable energy power plants in accordance with NERC and ISO requirements
• Gather and maintain modeling files and data for all EDPR NA power plants
• Provide NERC Compliance support for NERC Standards PRC-019, PRC-023, PRC-024, PRC-025, PRC-026. PRC-027, VAR-002, MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027, MOD-032
• Manage internal and external support, OEMs, and Engineering Service Providers performing bulk power system studies using power system modeling software, (PSCAD, PSLF, PSS/E, TSAT, etc.)
• Track ISO, Transmission Planner and Planning Coordinator modeling requirements 
• Oversee and perform onsite and remote testing for renewable power generating plants for MOD-025, MOD-26, and MOD-027
• Provide technical review for design modifications and changes to power plant control systems, verifying generator models, PPC, and power plant settings and behavior
• Generate, monitor, and report progress on compliance activities, implementation plans, and mitigation plans related to PRC and MOD NERC Standards 
• Conduct engineering studies for new and emerging technologies such as inverters, wind turbines, or Bulk Energy Storage Systems, which may require interaction with equipment vendors to complete the analyses
• Participate in various task forces related to RCA’s, compliance investigations, RFIs and other operational investigations
• Other duties as assigned

Employment type

Full Time

Work site

Hybrid- Houston, TX

What are we looking for

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering with power systems emphasis, or similar and equivalent related experience
• 5+ years of relevant maintenance, operations, design, or consulting experience, preferably including some NERC compliance responsibilities
• 5+ years relevant experience with power systems modeling, power generation maintenance, operations, design, or consulting experience, preferably including NERC compliance responsibilities preferred
• Knowledge and experience with power systems simulation software such as PSCAD, PSS/E, TSAT, PSLF preferred.
• Experience performing and reviewing NERC Compliance Studies for NERC PRC-019, PRC-023, PRC-024, PRC-025, PRC-027, MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027 and MOD-032 NERC Reliability Standards
• Experience and familiarity with relays and protection systems compliance on high voltage substations
• Strong technical and report writing skills
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and preferred familiarity with SQL database applications, Business Intelligence and Business Management Systems (Appian, Tableau, OSI PI), and reporting tools & processes

Travel:

Up to 20%

Behavioral Requirements:

• Self-motivated, action-oriented, and creative thinker
• Ability to prioritize activities according to changing needs in a dynamic environment and work independently
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external parties
• Work extended hours on short notice when necessary
• Ability to interpret NERC reliability standards
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings
• Ability to gather relevant data using appropriate methods and analyze that data to propose process and tools improvement
• Ability to interpret equipment manuals and work instructions from a variety of manufacturers
• Ability to develop operating instructions and procedures

Physical demands & working conditions:

• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary
• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment
• Speech/Reading:  Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
• Lifting: Ability to lift items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary
• Physical demands: Ability to occasionally perform physical requirements including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and climbing at project locations in order to inspect equipment or collect information