Grid Transformation Lead - AI & Optimization

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources.  We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

This role will be responsible for creating and communicating a vision which anticipates, identifies, and explains challenges and opportunities that ERCOT will encounter as the Texas electric power grid transforms. This role will develop approaches, processes, and solutions that allows ERCOT to maximize its effectiveness and progressively achieve higher levels of readiness. This position requires deep technical expertise in the area of AI/ML foundational models, AI hardware architecture level knowledge for application efficiency gains, and deep optimization experience to drive Grid Transformation programs and initiatives using highly skilled matrixed resources from across the organization to drive solutions for upcoming grid challenges.

JOB DUTIES

• Broadly applies principles, theories and concepts related to the profession. A seasoned, experienced professional with an in-depth/full understanding of area of specialization.
• May provide recommendations regarding issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Wide latitude for decisions within assignments, programs and projects; impact is generally limited to the project or department.
• Acts as a resource to advise and may at times a lead the work of lower level professional and/or support employees. Generally, represents the department on projects and may perform in a project leadership role.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• Possess deep undertaking of optimizing AI/ML models for execution on AI specialized HW including GUPs/CUDA, TPUs, FPGA, etc to implement parallel computing techniques and memory efficient algorithms.
• Possess experience working with CUDA, OpenCL, TensorRT, and other hardware acceleration frameworks for deep learning inference and optimization.
• Possess hand-on experience and in-depth knowledge of running tools in setting up and running tools in GPU workstations. Must be proficient in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or another AI framework.
• Possess deep undertaking of the optimization tools like Gurobi/Cplex to improve solver efficiency through constraint reformulation, parallel computation, and heuristic techniques. Application of optimization techniques for planning analysis like economic dispatch, unit commitment etc. is a plus
• Employs highly developed problem resolution skills and expertise to understand how to architect a problem solution in terms of right hardware selection, solution methodology, and AI tools.  
• Ability to work with cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP) and data analytics tool like data bricks, Palantir, or snowflake.
• Ability to adopt cybersecurity best practices for AI applications in critical infrastructure and ensure compliance with industry standards
• Provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders and brings awareness of research and innovation activities.
• Collaborates with power system engineers, data engineers, and business owners to integrate AI solutions and explores various solution modalities such as white papers, research papers, proof of concepts, pilot programs, and prototype developments.
• Reports and tracks trends and issues related to emerging AI applications for generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and the potential impacts to ERCOT.
• Develops and manages both formal and informal networks and relationships with AI/computation research and innovation eco-systems, global academic institutions, and industry consortiums to gather information, coordinate action, and build cooperation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Explores partnerships and collaboration opportunities and establishes clear governance structures to ensure progress and timely communication. Examples include ISO/RTO councils, PSERC, G-PST, Universities, EPRI, CEATI, etc.
• Proposes new or changes to existing ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures which would allow market participation of the various emerging solutions.
   

EXPERIENCE

• Requires minimum 8 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in area of optimization, computation, and applications development. Understanding of the electric grid operations is a plus.
• Minimum 4 years of experience directly working on AI foundational models and AI hardware.
• Demonstrated record of success in managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and successfully delivering solutions required.
• Some travel required monthly both within the US and internationally.

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or related field (Required)
• Master's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or related field (Preferred)
• PhD: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or related field (Preferred)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

WORK LOCATION – Taylor, TX:

• Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management
• On-site schedules are flexible or may be rotated based on business needs as determined by the Manager
• Remote work is required to be performed from your Texas residence.  
• Employees may opt to work on-site more than required or 100% of the time

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-Hybrid #LI-IV1

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range: