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Energy Management Systems (EMS) Engineer

Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. (VELCO)
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Why you should join our team
The EMS Engineer will plan, develop, implement and maintain VELCO’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS), which includes real-time electrical power system models and advanced applications (Power Flow, State Estimator, and Real-Time Contingency Analysis). The EMS Engineer will assist with control center operations by utilizing technologies and strategies to improve overall system reliability.  The individual must work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Expectations are that individuals in this role will contribute to the improvement of procedures and templates, with an appreciation for succession planning and making it easier or better for the next SCADA/EMS Engineer needing to use a procedure or template (core). In this role, the individual will be capable of demonstrating, and articulating the knowledge required to fully and competently complete SCADA/EMS assignments using the appropriate procedures, templates, and change management processes (core).
The practicing EMS Engineer should understand the Vermont power system, New England’s Bulk Electric System, and relevant standards and procedures. Training for this position is accomplished via in-person familiarization with the Manager of EMS and/or more experienced engineers, self-study, and working through assignments with mandatory peer reviews. VELCO has a four-level career ladder for engineers, and the starting level for applicants will be considered based upon education level, and/or experience.
The EMS Engineer will have a good understanding of SCADA, FEP, ICCP, RTU’s, Displays, Short Term Load Forecasting (STLF) and Calculations (core). The EMS Engineer is expected to become familiar with VELCO’s EMS Network Model, and to understand State Estimator, Power Flow, and Contingency Analysis (core). The EMS Engineer will need to trouble-shoot real-time issues with all of these systems/sub-systems, and therefore are expected to become familiar with the sources of Real-Time Data, the protocols used, and the data-communication transport architecture (core). The individual at the second engineering level (EMS Engineer), should be capable of handling “on-call” responsibilities for the SCADA/EMS Department, which means the individual should be able to resolve a majority of the issues that could initiate a “call-out” especially issues with the Network Model.
How you will make an impact
  • Maintain reliable and efficient operations of VELCO’s SCADA/EMS by Open Systems International (OSI). Implement, configure, maintain and expand SCADA/EMS databases, displays, calculations, and applications. Solve problems affecting the system and user operations.
  • Work with VELCO and external staff including vendors, electric distribution companies, neighboring transmission owners/operators, and ISO-NE to maintain and troubleshoot SCADA/EMS, remote terminal units, Inter Control Center Protocol (ICCP) data links and equipment.
  • Maintain proficiency with power flow modeling that includes maintaining accurate models and troubleshooting real-time model solutions. Validate the EMS OSI real-time model and solutions with other power-flow models such as Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E).
  • Develop and maintain C++ calculations, Batch scripts, Powershell scripts, etc. as needed to provide desired situational awareness or workflow improvements.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of the SCADA historian and other special applications. Develop reports and queries of historical operations data.
  • Maintain awareness and develop all work products in adherence with internal work processes and procedures, and in compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.
  • Maintain strong working relationships and work effectively with VELCO’s Engineering, Operations, IT/Networks, Telecommunications and Capital Projects groups throughout various stages of projects and initiatives.
  • Responsible for responding to off-duty call-outs (intra-departmental rotation, once qualified). Required to carry a pager (while covering the on-call responsibility for the department).
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager of EMS.
Who you are
To thrive in this role, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Engineering Technology. A Master’s Degree in Engineering or a specialized industry credential such as a Certificate in Power Systems Management, together with a history of sustained exceptional performance, can reduce the time in the first two levels of the engineering career ladder.
The EMS Associate Engineer is an entry-level position. Individuals with qualifications exceeding the minimums listed may be considered for entry at a higher level.
The EMS Engineer will typically have 2 – 7 years of SCADA/EMS engineering experience.
With time in this role, the EMS Engineer will have demonstrable proficiency with EMS tools including Open Systems International (OSI) to aid in power flow analysis and development, and troubleshooting skills in real-time data acquisition. Network modeling security analysis ability, as well as complex computer and/or electronic equipment analysis skills are expected, as are proficient programming skills (C++, Batch, Powershell, Visual Basic, etc.). AutoCAD, OSI Soft (PI) Historian knowledge is a plus. The ideal individual possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as critical thinking skills. A comprehensive knowledge of the bulk electric system is desired. Proficiency with Windows operating systems is required.
VELCO’s commitment to our employees
  • Paid Time Off – Everyone needs time off to recharge. New employees are frontloaded with prorated time off dependent upon date of hire
  • Sick Leave – We advocate for staying home when you are sick
  • Paid Holidays – We observe 11 paid company holidays
  • Medical – Select from two comprehensive health plans. Employees have access to a Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account. We allow documented Domestic Partners on our plans
  • Dental & Vision – Offers a wide range of covered services
  • Wellness Program – Allows you to receive up to $100 per year for reimbursement of approved wellness expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Aids with mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal matters, and much more
  • 401K – We offer a very generous employer match and profit share contribution
  • Short Term Incentive Bonus – VELCO proudly offers a yearly incentive bonus based on individual contributions and key performance indicators
  • Life Insurance – VELCO paid life insurance and supplemental coverages are available
Important Considerations
  • Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.
  • Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check, physical examination, drug screening, and documentation of Covid-19 vaccination
  • This position is not a remote position. Due to the nature and security of this work, the individual filling this role is expected to work at the Pinnacle campus.
  • VELCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran
Who VELCO is
VELCO sits at an inflection point of dynamic innovation in an industry undergoing transformation. Our core responsibility to operate a safe and reliable electric transmission system for Vermonters has not changed. How we fulfil that responsibility, however, changes regularly with the evolution of the system we operate and the dynamic demands of the customers we serve. These conditions require that VELCO remain unshakably focused on operational excellence today while anticipating the capabilities we will need to thrive tomorrow. Likewise, the successful EMS Engineer will have the capabilities to meet today’s responsibilities while having the foresight and learning orientation to anticipate VELCO’s needs well into the future.
The EMS Engineer at VELCO is a trusted partner excited to help us realize our Vision to create a sustainable Vermont through our people, assets, relationships and operating model. The EMS Engineer is someone innately committed to fulfilling our Mission to serve as a Trusted Partner by passionately living our TRUST values (Treating each other with respect; Responding with urgency; Unconditionally supporting one another; Sharing information; and Thinking outside the box).
The Fine Print
Prolonged periods of working on a computer. Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex, analytical work, in potentially stressful situations, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work additional hours when necessary. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops, trainings, etc. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. Must maintain a valid VT driver’s license and live within a reasonable proximity of the Pinnacle Ridge campus.
Remote work is limited to supporting Call-outs, and at the discretion of the Department Manager (once adequately trained and qualified). The default expectation is to be physically (and mentally) present at the Pinnacle Ridge Campus for normal duty hours. Must have a strong work ethic.