Engineer in Training (Hybrid)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the close supervision of the Operations Engineering Services (OES) management the Engineer in Training (EIT) participates in a structured training program encompassing Bulk Electric System (BES) Operations, and Market Operations in Electric Power Systems and Generation resource fundamentals, including renewable and intermittent resource effects on operations.   This is a full-time training program with a rotation through OES teams that typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete.  Upon successful completion and graduation from the program requirements, including acquired functional and behavioral competencies, the trainee is eligible to apply for a Reliability and Market Operations Engineer (RMOE), Regional Transmission Engineer, or a Planning Operations Engineer position based on the needs of the OES.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Complete a full rotation of hands on learning through all OES teams (OEP North, OEP South, and RMOE).
• Actively participates in a fast-paced learning program of formal classroom instruction, power system simulation, on-the-job training, site-visits, and self-study, Power System Operations and ISO Market Operations. 
• Completes training modules and additional required reading including books, training manuals and operating procedures within specified timeframes.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in each area of study by qualifying scores on written and/or performance exams.  Accountable for maintaining progress through the Program on a defined schedule and periodic proficiency testing.
• Attends supplemental programs and/or events as deemed appropriate by management.
• Learns strategies to best support reliability and business objectives.
• Learns fundamentals of generation and transmission maintenance, transmission system congestion and congestion mitigation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of operational goals, objectives, tools, EMS applications processes, and services.
• Actively participates in multiple challenging, complex and time sensitive projects and/or a work programs.
• Successfully obtains the required NERC System Operator Certification, prior to receiving a Reliability and Market Operations Engineer position.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM AND AREAS OF STUDY:

Fundamentals of Real-Time Operations Engineering and Operations Engineering Planning and Outage Coordination of the California ISO Balancing Authority and RC West Areas.  Subjects of study include, but are not limited to: Operations Engineering studies and tools, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved ISO Tariff, Integrated Forward Market (IFM) Operations, Real-Time Market Operations, Business Practice Manuals, Operating Procedures, Participating Transmission Owner (PTO) Operating Procedures, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Western Electricity Coordination Council (WECC) Mandatory Reliability Standards.

Curriculum includes investigating, analyzing and solving a variety of operational issues on the Bulk Electric System (BES) through the use of Energy Management System (EMS) analysis applications such as the state estimator, dispatcher load flow, and contingency analysis.  Use of Voltage Security Analysis (VSA) and other advanced applications will be introduced.  Substantial on-the-job training under the guidance of the Lead and Senior Operations Engineers.