The Senior Power Systems Engineer
(Engineer) is responsible for providing technical support for transmission and substation assets, synchronous condenser facilities, equipment reliability programs, outage coordination support, and asset health initiatives. 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.
This position will be located in Austin, TX, and will report to the Operations Engineering Manager.
DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Equipment Engineering and Reliability:
- Provide engineering support for synchronous condenser facilities and associated auxiliary systems.
- Develop equipment maintenance strategies and reliability programs.
- Lead equipment failure investigations and root cause analyses.
- Support commissioning and energization of new facilities and major modifications.
- Review equipment specifications and factory acceptance testing documentation.
- Develop asset health assessments and equipment risk mitigation strategies.
- Support critical spare equipment strategy and inventory planning.
- Provide technical support for major equipment outages and restoration activities.
System Operations:
- 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.
- Ensure staff understanding and compliance with ERCOT nodal protocols and operating guides.
- 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.
- Assist WETT’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) team by investigating SCADA alarm functions/limits, areas for improvement, and technical enhancements.
- Cross-coordination with multiple departments such as IT, planning, engineering, construction, regulatory, and compliance.
- 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).
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of WETT’s outage coordination processes to support engineering studies, operational planning, and planned equipment outages.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology is required. Degree is Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology is also acceptable.
Skills and Experience:
Required:
- Minimum 7 years work experience in transmission system operations is required.
- Transmission or generation engineering experience.
- High-voltage substation equipment experience.
- Equipment troubleshooting and root cause analysis experience.
Preferred:
- Candidate must be familiar with ERCOT nodal protocols and operating guides.
- 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).
- Experience with synchronous condensers or large rotating equipment preferred.
- Experience with power transformers, circuit breakers, and protection and control systems.
- Experience with commissioning and energization activities.
- Experience with generation controls systems (T3000 or similar)
- 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
- Competencies:
- Organization of information, assigned tasks, communications, and data.
- Documentation and tracking of critical information.
- Time management.
- Electrical schematic and control/protection circuit interpretation
- Understanding of AC/DC diagrams
- Understanding of GE and SEL relay logic / functionality
- 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.
Why Work at Wind Energy Transmission Texas (WETT)?
At WETT, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a company that plays a critical role in powering Texas with reliable, clean, and renewable energy. We take pride in fostering a workplace where innovation, integrity, and collaboration drive our success—and where every employee has a meaningful impact.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Annual Salary based on experience and professional credentials
- Robust Paid Time Off including PTO, sabbatical, holidays, and floating holidays
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including parental leave
- Employer-Matching 401(k) to support your long-term financial goals
- A Collaborative, Team-Focused Culture built on respect, partnership, and shared success
Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered.
