Reliability and Market Operations Engineer (Hybrid - Onsite Shifts + work from home)

Company Description

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.

Under the general direction of the Manager, the Reliability and Market Operations Engineer provides engineering support to Reliability Coordination as well as Real-Time Grid Operations and Market Operations. Responsible for establishing and updating the operating limits to the Grid, 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. This is a 24x7 rotating shift position.

Qualifications Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) required in Electrical Engineering; concentration in Power preferred. Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. preferred.

Two (2) or more years related experience.

NERC Reliability Authority (or System Operator) Certification required or must be able to obtain NERC Certification within six months of employment.

Experience conducting simulation and analytical studies of electric power systems including harmonic, transient stability and load flow analysis. Knowledge or experience with simulation programs such as EMTP, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, PSLF or SuperHarm desired. Electric utility industry experience including emphasis in any combination of the following: Operations Planning, Real Time Operations, Transmission Planning, Electricity Markets, Renewable Integration, protection relays, EMS. Familiarity with California Electric System or other portions of the WECC system desired.

Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills with strong problem solving skills. Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Access and Visio, is required. Ability to work with minimal supervision and to 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. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, work well independently and be self-motivated.

The pay range for the Reliability and Market Operations Engineer at the CAISO is $101,700 - $169,500 per year.

This role is also eligible for shift premiums.

We will also consider this position for other levels depending on applicable education and experience.