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Program Structure

The Engineer Development Program (EDP) combines real, daily engineering work with a curriculum that gives participants the skills necessary to be successful in their careers. To complete the program, an EDP Engineer must demonstrate proficiency with a core set of skills (known as competencies), complete the department modules (extended visits to each of the engineering groups), and finish a long-term technical project.
While progressing through these requirements, the EDP Engineer is based in the Network Modeling group and performs day-to-day work as a member of this team. Upon completion of the program, the EDP Engineer is promoted to Engineer Level 2 and placed as a full-time member of one of the engineering groups.

EDP program strucure
The typical division of time for an EDP Engineer

Training Courses

Training Courses EDP Engineers attend a variety of training courses, including the annual ERCOT Black Start Training and Operator Training Seminars, training on ERCOT-related software applications, and Lunch-and-Learn short courses. In addition, interested EDP Engineers receive support preparing for and passing the FE and NERC exams. All available training opportunities are selected to foster professional growth and best prepare EDP Engineers for their future careers.

Technical Project

As the program progresses, each EDP Engineer completes a long-term technical project. These projects are proposed by the managers of the engineering departments, and the EDP Engineer selects one that fits his or her interests. Technical projects go beyond the scope of the Department Modules or intern-level work, giving the EDP Engineer a chance to dig deeply into a topic while providing a real, lasting benefit to ERCOT.

Department Modules

Department Modules are extended visits to each of the engineering groups at ERCOT. Each module is designed by subject matter experts to give the EDP Engineer an understanding of the work the group does and how it contributes to ERCOT's mission. A module lasts approximately two to four weeks, depending on the size of the group. The EDP Engineer will perform some of that group’s day-to-day tasks and may be assigned additional work to solidify understanding of the group’s responsibilities.

Groups visited in EDP Department Modules

Grid Coordination

  • Network Model Administration
  • Network Model Maintenance
  • Resource Integration

System Planning

  • Transmission Planning Assessment
  • Regional Planning
  • Dynamic Studies
  • Resource Adequacy

Market Operations

  • Congestion Revenue Rights
  • Day Ahead Markets
  • Market Analysis
  • Market Validation
  • Settlements Metering

System Operations

  • Operations Analysis
  • Outage Coordination
  • Grid Applications Support
  • Operations Support
  • Shift Engineering

The Engineer Development Program is a 12- to 16-month, self-paced program geared toward entry-level engineers looking to start a career in the power industry. Applications are accepted year-round.

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