Sr Operations Engineer (Hybrid preferred)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position works in a hybrid or fully remote capacity.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Manager, works on highly complex engineering projects and provides engineering support and technical expertise to grid and market operations. Primarily responsible for analyzing, coordinating and approving outages for the ISO grid, establishing and updating daily limits, documenting the associated operating procedures to support the safe and reliable operation of the system, and modeling the market impacts of transmission constraints. Participates in the development of ISO policies and methodologies associated with the reliable operation of the transmission grid and the efficient operation of the ISO market.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Prepares and conducts operating and clearance studies, including power flow and contingency analysis, to maintain the reliable operation of the grid. Provides requirements for clearance conditions and develops and documents operating requirements and instructions in outage plans and operating procedures. Models transmission constraints in the ISO market to ensure efficient market operations. Provides engineering support on model validation and abnormal market price investigations. Adheres to NERC reliability standards and other requirements in accordance with pre-established guidelines and physical limitations of the system. Ensures compliance with internal policies, practices and procedures, NERC and WECC standards, and government regulations.  
   
• Represents ISO operations engineering interests in applicable WECC and related committees, work groups, and other industry or public forums as assigned. Compiles, analyzes, and submits data and reports in compliance with external standards and requirements.
   
• Analyzes complex operational engineering issues in collaboration with operators and recommends modifications to existing operating procedures. Assesses the impacts of major transmission and generation additions or deletions to the grid, recommends revisions to operating plans, communicates revised plans to operations, and updates operating procedures. 
   
• Develops, implements and documents automated computer programs, and other advanced analysis methods, to allow for comprehensive monitoring of operational performance of the transmission system and detection of transmission system problems.
   
• Provides training, guidance, and technical expertise to less experienced engineers.
   
• Acts as a subject matter expert and provides engineering support and technical expertise for real-time systems concerns and daily operational matters.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) required in Electrical Engineering. Curriculum in Electrical Power Engineering strongly preferred. A Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering is an asset.

Amount of Experience:

Five (5) or more years related experience.

Certifications:

Professional Engineer license desired.

Type of Experience

Experience conducting simulation and analytical studies of electric power systems including power flow and contingency analysis using programs such as PSS/E, GE PSLF, Powerworld Simulator and DSATools required. Electric utility industry experience with a power engineering emphasis in any of the following: Operations, Planning, Design, Maintenance, Protection, and Energy Management Systems required.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.  Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail.  Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills.  Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential.  Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations.  Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

The pay range for the Sr Operations Engineer position is $116,925 - $163,695 per year.