Real Time Operations Engineer- Job Family

Job Summary:

The Real-Time Operations Engineer/Specialist position is responsible for providing direct engineering support to real-time operations. This includes the review of anticipated and historical system conditions, the use of various analysis tools in this review, and the development of appropriate responses to these system conditions. This is a 24 by 7 rotating shift position, with an additional purpose of proactively monitoring Energy Management System network analysis tools, including state estimator performance and resolving any problems that impact state estimator solution or availability.

• Perform near-term, next-day, and current-day power system analysis using power flow, transient stability, voltage stability & steady-state analysis software, including PSSE, MUST, OSI Energy Management System analyst tools (SE, CA)
• Use available applications and programs (e.g., SDX, MISO Extranet, PJM EDart, etc.) to gather specific information that aids in NIPSCO Transmission System analysis.
• Maintain the present and planned network topology and equipment databases
• Apply contingency list and load, generation dispatch, and interchange levels and patterns to developed study cases
• Track system events contributing to operating guides and communicate to NIPSCO departments for future upgrades.
• Gather information as necessary to fulfill various regulatory agency and management data requests.
• Write and/or edit technical plans, processes, and procedures as assigned.
• Coordinate system changes with Transmission Planners, EMS Computer Engineers, Field Operations, Neighboring TOPs, and MISO.
• Coordinate transmission equipment ratings with Transmission Planners, EMS Computer Engineers, Field Operations, Neighboring TOPs, and MISO.
• Preparing or revise Operating Plans documenting their findings and mitigating actions
• Evaluate and coordinate Bulk Electric System outages as necessary during real-time
• Develop operating limits such as voltage/transient stability limits, and evaluate transmission constraints in real-time
• Identify constraint management options as necessary and on-demand.
• Maintain and respond to the degradation or failure of EMS network analysis tools, including proactive monitoring and mitigation of SE solution issues
• Provide the compliance focus and direction during abnormal and emergency conditions to ensure all the appropriate operating actions, reporting, notifications and decisions are being carried out in a timely manner.
• Assist the System Operator decisions in real-time and suggest actions to mitigate real-time/basecase emergencies and projected N-1 contingencies across the entire NIPSCO TOP area.
• Perform subject matter expert duties in compliance audits
• All other duties as assigned

This position may be filled as an engineer or specialist depending on degree and experience.

• BS degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Ability to perform 24 by 7 rotation shift (12 hour shift on weekends and 8 hour shift on weekdays) which could include holidays.
• Ability to obtain NERC Certification within a time frame specified by department procedure
• Understanding of basic electric power systems theory and principles
• Ability to perform operational planning analysis using power flow, transient stability, voltage stability & steady-state analysis software, including PSSE, OSI Energy Management System analysis tools (SE, CA).
• Ability to read and interpret Operating Plans documenting potential operational constraints and mitigations actions
• Ability to read and evaluate Bulk Electric System outages in the Operations Planning time horizon
• Ability to read and interpret technical plans, processes and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic network modeling tasks including reviewing network topology, rating changes, review/identify EMS displays issues, among others.
• Ability to work in a professional manner with internal groups within NIPSCO, and external entities/groups including customers, contractors, neighbor TOPs, MISO, NERC, RF, NAFT, vendors/suppliers, among others.
• Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Good planning, organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to perform duties effectively under emergency and contingency situations
• Ability to perform self-guided study and training as instructed

• NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification
• Understanding of basic principles of project management
• PMP Certification
• Experience in the electric utility industry

• All of the qualifications for Engineer/Specialist I including:
  • 2 to 4 years of electric utility experience
  • Increased understanding of basic electric power systems theory and principles
  • Increased ability to perform operational planning analysis using power flow, transient stability, voltage stability & steady-state analysis software, including PSSE, OSI Energy…