Lead Control Systems Engineer

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our Vision:

Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment:

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

The Lead Control Systems Engineer is to lead our efforts in leveraging Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data and Power Quality data for advanced grid applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in PMU technology, data acquisition, and the successful deployment and optimization of Phasor Data Concentrators (PDCs). This role will be critical in transforming raw PMU data and other non-operational data from substations into actionable insights for real-time grid monitoring, control, and analytical studies. The Lead Engineer also supports data applications related to Transmission Energy Management System (EMS) and Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). In addition, this role develops and enforces processes and procedures to ensure compliance with ERCOT protocols and applicable NERC CIP Standards.

Essential Responsibilities

- Leads Operational Technology (OT) Data Solutions engineering activities in support of business priorities.

- Design, implement, and maintain robust infrastructure for the collection, storage, and processing of high-volume PMU and Power Quality data.

- Collaborate with Engineering teams to define data requirements for advanced applications (e.g., state estimation, oscillation detection, wide-area control)

- Provide system support, analysis, development, programming, and hardware maintenance for OT Data Solutions application systems utilized by the Real-time Operations, Distribution Control, and other Electric Operations groups.

- Interfaces with Telecom, Substation Operations, and ERCOT to monitor and maintain OT non-operational data communication.

- Assisting Cyber Security and regulatory compliance programs for ERCOT protocols and NERC standards.

- Evaluates vendor systems and solutions based on business needs and end-user requirements.

- Participate in user group activities, with other electric utilities and organizations engaged in similar projects, to identify common problem areas and solutions; and develop function implementation experiences, and methodology for improving system performance.

- Researches and explores new technologies and initiatives in line with longer term control center applications (EMS, ADMS, etc.), and other technology support goals.

Education

The Position Requires Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Requires a P.E. License

Experience

- Requires minimum of eight (8) years of experience related to operational technology (OT) systems such as EMS, ADMS, SCADA, PMU, etc..

- Able to understand the electric transmission and the distribution grid technologies.

- Able to communicate technical issues effectively; both orally, and in writing.

- Able to understand SCADA protocols and RTU communication.

- Stay abreast of industry trends, standards (e.g., IEEE C37.118), and best practices in PMU technology and smart grid applications

- Able to understand software maintenance, development, and quality control procedures and practices is a plus.

- Able to understand ERCOT protocol requirements and applicable NERC standards.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What We Bring To You

- Competitive pay

- Paid training

- Benefits eligibility begins on your first day

- Transit subsidies

- Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off

- Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston

- Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement

- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:

Full Time

Posting Start Date:

08/22/2025

Posting End Date:

09/05/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR

- 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.