Position Title: EMS Modeling Engineer
Posting Date: June 7, 2012
Department: Reliability Coordination
Location: Vancouver, WA
Reports To: Director, EMS Engineering
Position Overview:
This position will work under the technical guidance of the WECC Lead EMS Modeling Engineer and will be responsible for supporting ongoing maintenance of the West Wide System Model (WSM) for the Western Interconnection. The WSM model is an integral part of the reliability monitoring of the Western Interconnection, which includes the maintenance of an Energy Management System (EMS) Network, SCADA and Alarm models, the real-time ICCP measurements, and the EMS displays used to provide an accurate representation of the state of the Western Interconnection Bulk Electric System (BES). This position will be assisting with all technical details of the WECC modeling effort in formats and exports for planning, EMS and network applications purposes. This position includes a close working relationship with other modeling engineers, vendors and WECC members.
Major Duties:
- Implement, enhance and resolve issues of modeling the Western Interconnection, including, but not limited to, updating the WSM EMS Network, SCADA, Alarm, and ICCP models.
- Implement, enhance, and resolve issues associated with EMS overview and substation displays which are used by the WECC Reliability Coordinators to maintain real-time situational awareness.
- Work closely with Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator engineering teams, vendors, and modeling team members to resolve issues.
- Work closely with the Reliability Coordinators and the EMS engineering team to provide support pertaining to the maintenance and enhancement of the EMS models to better meet the needs and functionality of the reliability coordination function of WECC.
- Integrate, and maintain the relationship between Synchrophasor / Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and the WSM EMS models, as part of the Western Interconnection Synchrophasor Program (WISP) used to identify and analyze system vulnerabilities in real-time, as well as to detect evolving disturbances on the Western bulk electric system (BES).
- Recommend creative and innovative information systems solutions to various business or technical problems. Ensure work is technically sound and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations.
- Routinely involved in the modification, integration and migration of EMS systems to new software versions. Plan and coordinate database and display changes to reflect the true and ever-changing configuration of the transmission system to correct problems and to meet user needs, requests, and schedules.
- Analyze system failures and work with other system support staff to identify corrective actions and implement changes as necessary to correct problems.
Job Announcement
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in electrical or power engineering or equivalent combination of education and work experience resulting in demonstrated ability to perform major duties.
- Progressively responsible experience demonstrating knowledge of modeling electrical systems in a variety of formats (Alstom / Areva EMS, PSSE, PSLF, CIM, etc).
- Solid understanding of EMS, network applications, power flow applications and thorough understanding of the Western Interconnection details.
- Demonstrated ability to apply problem analysis/resolution techniques and knowledge of systems design.
- Experience in working with and supporting a real time transmission or reliability operation.
- Proficiency in the application of information systems methodologies, information systems guidelines and architectures, and information systems technologies.
- Demonstrated experience working on a major EMS system supporting either real time transmission or reliability operations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Above minimum qualifications and the following:
- Advanced degree in Power Engineering or related area of study.
- Excellent history working on data modeling teams requiring expert technical skills and solid understanding of business functions.
- Background and experience with the Alstom / Areva EMS, E-terramodeler and E-terrasource products.
- Background and knowledge of grid planning tools and EMS network applications modeling.
- Experience with WECC business practices and committees.
- Familiar with the West Wide System Model project and implementation.
- Participation in WECC or NERC committees.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary will be competitive and commensurate with relevant experience as well as the responsibilities of the position. The position is eligible for an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) plan, and paid personal time.
For consideration, qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter including salary history to:
WECC Human Resources
e-mail: resume@wecc.biz
About Western Electricity Coordinating Council:
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with offices in Loveland, Colorado and Vancouver Washington, WECC is the Regional Entity responsible for coordinating and promoting bulk electric system reliability in the Western Interconnection. In addition, WECC provides an environment for coordinating the operating and planning activities of its members.
WECC is geographically the largest and most diverse of eight Regional Entities that have Delegation Agreements with NERC. WECC members, representing all segments of the electric industry, provide electricity to 14 western states, two Canadian provinces, and portions of one Mexican state.
WECC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate against employees or applicants on any basis prohibited by law. For additional information or questions regarding WECC’s policies, please contact WECC’s Human Resources Director
