Lead Technical Analyst Balancing Authority Operations

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities


• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance


• Relocation bonus (if applicable)


• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible


• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

 COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

• Lead Technical Analyst – salary range - $112,240-$145,810

 Join our team as a Lead Technical Analyst!

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is seeking a Lead Technical Analyst – Balancing Authority Operations to drive advanced analytics supporting real-time and forward-looking system reliability. This role is critical in ensuring SPP meets its Balancing Authority (BA) obligations by identifying, analyzing, and managing operational risk and uncertainty across multiple time horizons.

This position operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a key bridge between market outcomes and real-time system performance, ensuring results are accurate, reliable, and defensible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead advanced analytics supporting Balancing Authority operations across real-time and forward-looking timeframes.


• Monitor and improve performance against reliability metrics (e.g., CPS1, BAAL).


• Analyze how market outcomes translate into actual system performance and resolve discrepancies.


• Conduct studies on generation capacity, interchange, and system flexibility to support reliability.


• Develop and validate operational data for accurate reporting, settlements, and compliance.


• Provide recommendations to maintain resource adequacy and control Area Control Error (ACE).


• Build and enhance analytical tools, models, and performance tracking processes.


• Perform post-event analysis to improve operational outcomes and methodologies.


• Ensure compliance with SPP policies and NERC/FERC standards.


• Lead cross-functional initiatives, support committees, and mentor team members. 

 To be successful in this role, we're looking for:

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in mathematics, engineering or other related field


• Twelve (12) years of job related experience

Other Requirements:

• In addition to being fluent in English, excellent oral and written communication skills are required


• Effectively communicate with Operators, SPP stakeholders, and senior management


• Strong inter-personal and team work skills


• Documented experience in power system engineering, operations engineering, transmission planning or related disciplines


• The position requires a person who is focused on continuous improvement, efficiency, and collaboration and who holds to the SPP Core Values of challenge, accountability, balance, diversity, expertise, flexibility, integrity, loyalty, respect, transparency, and trust


• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures


• Availability for after-hours callout, and for on-call

Preferred:

• Electric Utility Industry experience


• An emphasis on power system analysis and electric utility operations is preferred


• An advanced degree


• NERC Certification

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of workweek are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Working extended hours may be required.

 Travel Requirement:

This position requires minimal travel (approximately 0-10%).

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool .