Austin Shaver

I supervise a small team of four engineers with ERCOT, Resource Integration where we work to facilitate the interconnection process of less than 10 MW generation resources to the transmission and distribution level voltage of the Texas Interconnection. I have experience in power systems, power generation and transmission, systems level engineering, modeling software, power quality and power electronics. I communicate effectively with many internal and external groups to ensure that work is performed with accuracy, accountability and punctuality. All work that I perform and supervise must meet a high standard of quality that abides by protocols and planning guides but also effectively to ensure that projects meet important milestones on time. I have worked to nurture a cohesive and collaborative team that I am proud to work with everyday. 

Supervisor of Small Generation for Resource Integration, ERCOT (9/2022 - Present) 
•Supervise distribution and transmission connected interconnection requests for the Texas Interconnection.
•Supervise the work and training of a small team of four engineers and led biweekly discussions to address team questions.
•Maintain a group of collaborative and accountable engineers that consistently implement ERCOT interconnection requirements.
•Revise and update procedures for the Small Generation Interconnection Process.
•Edit and maintain VBA and HTML based tools for project management to align with new standards.
•Effectively communicate interconnection requirements and standards to internal co-workers and to external market participants.
 

Network Model Engineer III, Resource Integration, ERCOT (06/2019 – 9/2022) 
•Review generator modeling data for conventional, solar, wind and storage projects to ensure the resource is correctly modeled in the ERCOT model. This involves a detailed review of all electrical and power control aspects associated with generation and transmission. 
•Perform commissioning testing and telemetry guidance for operation of new generation resources on the ERCOT system. 
•Reviewing Steady State, Short Circuit and Stability Full Interconnection Studies for NERC compliance.
•Performing security power flow studies to determine the impact and power transfer limit for a resource in the ERCOT grid under contingencies.
•Implementing knowledge of the ERCOT Guides and Protocols, the ERCOT system, TPIT, ERCOT planning resources and communication with the Network Model Admin., TDSP (Transmission dist. Service provider) or IE (Interconnecting Entity) to ensure accurate results of planning work.
•Increased understanding of the relationships between power system concepts and software tools such as PSS/E, PowerWorld and PowerGEM’s TARA software. Developed effective methods for the comparison of power flow results. 
•Applying knowledge of the interconnection process to guide developers on the Generator Interconnection and Modification process and effectively representing ERCOT in market participant meetings.

Project Development Engineer, ABEI Energy & Infrastructure (01/2019 – 05/2019)
•Designed renewable energy projects in Texas.
•Carried out technical analysis of existing infrastructure and environmental conditions.
•Managed project development timeline and ERCOT interconnection requirements.

Engineering Sales, Project Design and Management, Direct Expansion Solutions, Austin, TX (10/2015 – 12/2018)
•Designed custom VRV HVAC systems and submittals. Consulted engineers on electrical and control sequence aspects.
•Managed a project’s entire life-cycle while gaining an excellent understanding of construction plans (M.E.P., Arch. & Struct.).
•Determined control applications based on project design specifications and existing hardware using high-level PCB analysis.
•Selected transformers and variable frequency drives based on specifications. Selected hardware to meet control requirements.  
•Negotiated project contract amount with mechanical contractors and gained understanding of market price expectations. 
•Gained project management experience and reduced cost to company by creating custom methods to decrease time of project design and increase level of detail/accuracy.

Co-op Intern, L-3 Communications MID (Mission Integration Division), Greenville, TX (05/2012 – 01/2013)
•Modified avionics electrical diagrams for US Air Force reconnaissance craft (Boeing ‘Rivet Joint’ RC-135).
•Gained tremendous insight into industry standards for work optimization, time management & efficiency.

Software Dev. Intern, NASA, Avionic Systems Division, Human Interface Branch/EV3 (05/2011 – 08/2011)
•Designed and wrote C and Visual Basic programs for an embedded system. It is a prototype mobile, voice-controlled device to assist astronauts with transparent OLED glasses onboard the ISS (International Space Station) with emergency in-flight maintenance procedures. My C program on the VeeaR chip allowed voice control navigation of the menu while my visual basic program enabled picture output onto the transparent glasses enabling work to be performed while viewing procedures. 
•Completed technology proposal to NASA Mission Operations Directorate for a VR EVA (extra vehicular activity) trainer.
•Worked closely with mentor (George Salazar) to achieve a reliable, practical and accurate program design.

Software Dev. Intern, NASA, Education Department/AD4 (05/2010 – 08/2010)
•Developed and programmed script-based 3D models of NASA “spin-off” technology for educational outreach.
•Presented designs to students (Grades 5-9) at Space Center Houston as part of NASA’s educational outreach initiative.
 

Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2015

•Power systems (generation, transmission, protection, power quality) and power electronics.
•Embedded systems, software design and implementation. 
•Linear systems and signals, power electronics lab, microwave and radio freq. engineering, senior design project.
•Power system apparatus, power systems lab, electric drives & machines.