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 "keeping the lights on" 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.

Under the general direction of the Manager, participates in identifying, assessing and analyzing the impacts of existing and planned market design changes. Performs detailed economic and engineering evaluations including pricing, adequacy and network simulation studies, and detailed engineering review of optimization and algorithm methods. Analyzes market outcomes to ensure results are consistent with an efficient and effective market design.

What's In it for You

Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

• You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
• You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
• You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

• Performs detailed economic and engineering analysis of existing and future market design rules. 
• Analyzes market results to ensure pricing and market outcomes are consistent with economic optimality object of the market design.  
• Assesses market problems and provides input on the analytical approach necessary to estimate the market impact of the problem. 
• Uses economic and engineering models to market impacts and presents results in detailed reports subject to industry, regulatory and/or peer review.
• Identifies and participates in resolving implementation, design and integration-related problems or potential problems within assigned areas, and may propose solutions to such issues.
• Develops reports and automation of analysis where appropriate to streamline the production of important market metrics.
• Participates in market design and development efforts to identify new measures necessary to validate market results and leverage opportunity for incorporating features that will improve market performance. May develop business procedures as needed.

Level of Education and Discipline:

• A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Economics or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus two (2) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

• Experience with economics, market design, finance, or programming concepts desirable
• Experience with advanced power system operations and principles, stability analysis, optimization techniques, California power transmission networks, or network modeling is desirable
• Experience with large analytical or economic projects involving various groups of specialists.

Experience in a combination of the following: 

• utility/power industry or regulatory, preferably in a similar ISO
• experience in system analysis and expansion
• regulatory
• economic analysis
• data analysis experience
• experience with real-time applications

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to identify engineering or economic problems in the electric utility industry and propose solutions
• Familiarity with programming in Matlab, C, C++, GAMS, SAS or R is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential
• Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations
• Problem solving skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

**We will also consider applicants for an Associate Engineering Specialist position. This position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, training or experience in in Engineering, Operations Research, Economics, Finance or related field. Master’s degree preferred. This is an entry level position and no experience is required.**

**We will also consider applicants for a Senior Engineering Specialist position. This position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Operations Research, Economics, Finance or related field and five years of experience. Master’s degree preferred.**