Principal Grid Transformation

JOB SUMMARY

The Grid Transformation Principal role creates and communicates a vision which anticipates, identifies, and explains challenges and opportunities that ERCOT will encounter as the Texas electric power grid transforms. This role will develop approaches, processes, and solutions that allows ERCOT to maximize its effectiveness and progressively achieve higher levels of readiness. This position will implement Grid Transformation programs and initiatives using highly skilled matrixed resources from across the organization and will guide and recommend investments in staff, systems, and solutions. This position will establish new partnerships and expand the existing research and innovation partnerships and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

JOB DUTIES

• Recognized as a subject matter expert, possessing specialized advanced technical skills and competencies. Frequently contributes to the development of new theories and methods using knowledge gained through wide-reaching experiences.
• Employs highly-developed problem resolution skills and expertise as a generalist or specialist using professional concepts and ERCOT objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Exerts significant latitude in determining objectives of assignment. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Wide latitude for decisions within area of expertise; impact generally extends beyond the department.
• Often advises and leads the work of lower level employees. Could frequently perform in a program/project leadership role requiring the ability to develop and lead matrixed teams. Interacts with management and senior customers on matters requiring coordination across organizational lines.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Provides leadership and ensures accountability for successful implementation of grid transformation programs and initiatives.
• Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders and brings awareness of research and innovation activities.
• Contributes to the development of solutions using knowledge gained through industry experiences.
• Explores various solution modalities such as white papers, research papers, proof of concepts, pilot programs, prototype development etc.
• Leads cross functional teams working on the initiatives in a matrixed structure across the organization.
• Reports and tracks, trends and issues related to emerging generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and the potential impacts to ERCOT.
• Develops and manages both formal and informal personnel networks and relationships with energy research and innovation eco-systems, global academic institutions, and industry consortiums to gather information, coordinate action, and build cooperation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Explores partnerships and collaboration opportunities and establishes clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. Examples include ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, G-PST, Universities, EPRI, CEATI, etc.
• Builds the department, develops staff, and serves as a coach, mentor, and a role model within the grid transformation department and broader organization.
• Responsible for setting goals for the matrixed organization working on grid transformation initiatives.
• Develops a high-performing, highly collaborative culture within the grid transformation department and broader organization.
• Assists in the organization of annual innovation summit from identifying the theme, panel sessions, moderators, and the logistics.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders for the success of the summit. Represents ERCOT on panels, committees and advisory boards and gathers information from industry sources.
• Provides input to national organizations such as NERC, FERC, ISO/RTO council on standards and procedures that may affect ERCOT now or in the future by providing comments on proposals and participating in membership and meetings of relevant groups.
• Proposes new or changes to existing ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures which would allow market participation of the various emerging solutions.
• Interfaces with market participants by participating in subcommittees such as the WMS, PRS, ROS and their working groups to provide information on ERCOT systems, practices, and capabilities.

EXPERIENCE

• Requires minimum 10 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electric power grid operations and/or planning at a utility or an ISO or a vendor. Understanding of the wholesale market operations is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with technology development and delivery either at a utility or an ISO or a vendor preferred.
• Understanding of the wholesale market operations is preferred with hands-on experience using energy market tools for Capacity expansion or Production cost modelling with focus on optimization techniques and software development skills.
• Demonstrated record of success in managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and successfully delivering solutions required.
• Demonstrated record of leading an enterprise level innovation initiative required.
• Deep understanding of generation, transmission, distribution technologies, associated modeling for software development and related communications methods that are transforming the way the grid and markets are operated required.
• Some travel required on a monthly basis both within the US and internationally.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree : Electrical engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Required)
• Master's Degree : Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Preferred)
• PhD : Electrical Engineering, Business Administration or related field (Preferred)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time.

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range:

$132,078 - $224,536