Associate Energy Data Acquisition Specialist (Remote)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid or fully remote work capacity.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the close supervision of the Manager, develops the skills, knowledge and ability to perform operations activities related to the configuration, testing and implementation of revenue and telemetry metering equipment and processes.  Learns to interface with market participants (Generator owners, developers, third party engineering companies, Utility representatives etc.) regarding development and/or modifications of power generation for the California markets. Learns the ISO processes, certification procedures and standards to ensure that all CAISO Metered Entity’s (ISOME) and related parties are thoroughly inspected, documented, certified and provide accurate data acquisition information and control capability.  Becomes familiar with tariff and BPM language related to CAISO revenue metering and telemetry policies and practices.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Participates in assisting internal and external customers with the development, testing, and implementation related to all meter equipment and devices associated with Remote Intelligent Gateway (RIG)’s and Revenue Metering. Learns the technical details related to the design, development and maintenance of standards according to requirements outlined within the tariff and business practice manuals associated with telemetry and revenue metering including but not limited to, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Remote Terminal Units (RTU), Digital Control Systems (DCS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) and CAISO approved Remote Intelligent Gateway (RIG) and Approved ISO Meters.
   
• Learns to provide assistance and troubleshooting to market participants and associated engineering companies related to issues affecting proposed and/or existing designs, development and configuration of standards.  Assists with the research, evaluation, recommendation, development and support of technical solutions to meet current or proposed Tariff / BPM requirements related to telemetry or revenue metering, including troubleshooting activities to resolve “non-compliant” issues for entities.
   
• Assists with Full Network Model (FNM) Builds including deliverables affiliated with telemetry (Database Builds) and revenue metering (Certificate of Compliance) outlined within the New Resource Implementation (NRI) process to ensure commercial operation dates are met according to projected timelines.
   
• Assists with coordinating and analyzing the data for certification of resources desiring to participate in the California ISO market and contractual resource reserves. Provides data for certification, assists with verifying the capability of resources certified for Ancillary Services, coordinates testing, analyzes test data, and maintains resource testing database.
   
• Works with team members to create and maintain related business process documentation, including desktop procedures to ensure consistent practices according to ISO standards captured within the tariff and BPM’s. Participates in audits, installation, and configuration verifications and helps to ensure that ISO approved standards and requirements are maintained. Provides support on business driven enhancements and organizational initiatives impacting the group. Learns to provide guidance and training to various internal and external customers including entities such as ISO Authorized Inspectors, Meter Inspection Companies etc. related to matters involving the collection and processing of telemetry and revenue metering.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, or related discipline required.

Amount of Experience:

This is an entry-level position, no experience required.

Type of Experience:

Coursework in the use of electronic device testing practices, testing equipment, electronic device communications, secure data transfer protocols, and data collection, organization and estimation practices is desired.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a facilitator and team member.  Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account. Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. Strong analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner.  Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

Ability to review and apply engineering concepts as they relate to electrical drawings, calculations and specifications for conformance with published ISO standards and protocols.  Understanding of AC/DC electrical theory and supporting devices.

The pay range for the Associate Energy Data Acquisition Specialist is $34.25 - $57.09 per hour.