Brief Description

Senior Operations Engineer works on highly complex engineering assignments, acts as a senior technical advisor, and provides power systems expertise in support of Transmission System operations. Participates in WECC Planning and Operations studies. Provides technical training and expertise to other Regional Engineering staff. May provide on-call engineering support for real-time emergencies. Performs related tasks as required.


Detailed Description

Anticipates, identifies and resolves engineering-related problems and potential problems within assigned areas. May propose solutions to issues and problems outside of assigned areas of responsibility.

Acts as a primary point of contact for Regional Transmission and provides direct feedback to and from Regional Transmission Engineers on daily operations matters. Attends daily operations coordination meetings to discuss changes and updates in transmission clearances.

Represents the ISO’s interests in applicable WECC and related committees, work groups, and other public and industry forums.

Provides ISO management and other external entities with essential information relating to the ISO controlled grid and control area.

Serves as a senior technical advisor to Operations, serves as a technical leader to other Regional Transmission Engineers, and provides technical training and expertise as needed.

May provide 24x7 on-call support for real-time emergencies, and other real-time systems concerns and operations requests; and provides technical expertise when required. Provides engineering input and judgment when required.

Prepares and conducts operating studies and contingency analyses (including power flow, short circuit, stability, and post-transient analyses) to maintain reliable operation of the grid. Develops reports and operating procedures that comply with WECC Minimum Operating Reliability Criteria and other requirements.

Provides ongoing active participation in, guidance to, and technical support related to transmission system operations to Systems Dispatchers, Outage Coordinators, Security Monitors, Client Relations representatives, and Market Operations staff; and provides technical support to other departments within the ISO when needed.

Takes a leadership role in performing, reviewing and approving technical and economic assessments and analyses of the transmission grid. These studies may include but are not limited to: new generation interconnections, controlled grid analyses, independent power flow, transient stability and post-transient analysis, local capacity requirements, and transmission expansion plans. Proposes and approves projects and/or operating procedures as appropriate.

Evaluates, recommends and modifies existing system operation procedures by investigating and analyzing operational problems. Conducts seasonal operating studies to identify grid reliability concerns for the upcoming season (including proposing and managing short-term projects).

Documents, communicates and recommends remedies as appropriate.

Recommends, develops, implements and documents automated computer programs and other advanced analysis methods to allow for comprehensive monitoring of the operational performance of the transmission system and detection of transmission system problems.





Job Requirements

Level of Education

A Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training and experience. Advanced degree preferred.



Discipline

Electrical Engineering or a related technical field. .



Amount of Experience

Seven or more years of directly related experience.



Type of Experience

Electric utility industry experience including a combination of the following: Planning, Design, Maintenance, Construction, Operations, Relaying/Protection, Energy Management Systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience and familiarity with California electric transmission grid or other WECC systems. Practical knowledge of PC hardware and software, general computer programming skills, ability to use industry standard office tools including MS-Access and MS-Excel is required. Background in statistics, quantitative economics, energy management resource planning is desirable. Power industry consulting experience helpful but not required.



Special Certifications of Technical Skills

NERC System Operator Certification desired. California Professional Engineering License preferred.



Additional Details

Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as leader, facilitator and team member. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently. Good analytical, verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to set and meet self imposed deadlines, work effectively with minimal supervision and perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness. Ability to provide timely professional assessments with limited information and/or assumptions, and to confidently act on decisions.


FLSA: Exempt


Visa Sponsorship Available Yes