Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Power Systems Engineer – ERCOT

at Electric Power Engineers

🏢 About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a specialized consulting firm focused exclusively on power system engineering, with a deep emphasis on grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. Their niche expertise in ERCOT and NERC compliance, combined with a remote-first culture, offers engineers the chance to work on cutting-edge grid challenges without sacrificing flexibility.

About This Role

As a Senior Power Systems Engineer – ERCOT, you will lead a team conducting critical modeling and technical studies for clients, ensuring compliance with NERC standards and ERCOT requirements. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence grid stability and renewable integration in one of the most dynamic energy markets in the US, while also driving business development and process improvements.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your typical day might start with a team stand-up to review study progress on a generator interconnection project, then dive into PSCAD to validate a dynamic model for a wind farm. After lunch, you'd join a client call to discuss study results and next steps, followed by mentoring a junior engineer on PSS/e base case development. The afternoon could involve reviewing NERC compliance deliverables and scoping a new proposal for a utility client.

🎯 Who Electric Power Engineers Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of power system experience with at least 2 years supervising engineers, ideally in a consulting or utility setting focused on ERCOT.
  • Is highly proficient in PSCAD for electromagnetic transient studies and at least one of PSS/e, TSAT, or PSLF for steady-state and dynamic analysis.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of ERCOT modeling procedures, including base case development, dynamic model validation, and NERC compliance studies.
  • Demonstrates strong client management and business development skills, with a track record of building lasting client relationships and identifying new opportunities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Electric Power Engineers

1

Highlight specific ERCOT projects you've led, including the types of studies (e.g., generator interconnection, short circuit, transient stability) and the tools used.

2

Quantify your supervisory experience: mention team size, how you mentored junior engineers, and any process improvements you implemented.

3

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'PSCAD', 'PSS/e', 'DSA Tools', 'NERC', and 'ERCOT modeling requirements'.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly state your familiarity with ERCOT market rules and NERC reliability standards (e.g., NERC TPL, MOD, FAC).

5

If possible, include a portfolio or case study of a complex study you performed, showing your technical depth and client impact.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your hands-on experience with ERCOT-specific modeling and studies, citing concrete examples of projects that improved grid reliability.', "Showcase your leadership style and how you've developed team capabilities, such as training junior engineers on PSCAD or streamlining study processes.", "Demonstrate your business development acumen by describing how you've managed client accounts or contributed to winning new work.", "Align your passion with EPE's mission of enhancing grid resiliency for a sustainable future, mentioning renewable integration or grid modernization."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review EPE's recent case studies or white papers on their website to understand their approach to grid reliability and renewable integration.
  • Familiarize yourself with the latest ERCOT planning guides and NERC standards (e.g., TPL-001-5, MOD-032) to speak knowledgeably.
  • Look up EPE's leadership team on LinkedIn to understand their background and the company culture.
  • Read about current ERCOT challenges (e.g., resource adequacy, inverter-based resources) to show you're engaged with industry issues.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a team through a complex NERC compliance study. How did you ensure accuracy and meet deadlines?
2 How do you stay current with ERCOT modeling requirements and NERC standard updates?
3 Walk us through your process for performing a generator interconnection study using PSCAD and PSS/e.
4 Tell us about a challenging client situation you managed. How did you maintain the relationship while delivering technically sound results?
5 How would you approach developing a junior engineer's skills in power system modeling?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't exaggerate your ERCOT experience; if you lack direct ERCOT work, focus on transferable skills from other ISOs/RTOs.
  • Avoid being vague about your supervisory role – specify team size, projects led, and outcomes.
  • Don't neglect to mention your proficiency in PSCAD and PSS/e; if you're rusty, brush up before the interview.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Electric Power Engineers!