Senior Engineer, Grid Transition

at  New York ISO

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.
The NYISO’s Operations department invites applications for a full-time Senior Engineer, Grid Transition.
The Senior Engineer, Grid Transition will primarily be responsible for supporting a suite of special studies aimed at evaluating the performance of equipment in a grid that has a significant penetration of intermittent generation and/or inverter-based resources (IBRs). This position will support other teams across the system and resource planning and system operations groups. The Senior Engineer should be able to operate in a matrixed organizational structure and be able to contribute where demand for his/her skillset is needed. The Senior Engineer will work closely with the Principal, Grid Transition to identify solutions from the changing dynamics of the resource mix.
The Senior Engineer should have a strong power systems background, and mastery of topics such as frequency response, inertial or fast frequency response/controls, voltage regulation and controls, a general understanding of typical/general IBR control designs and some experience in performing EMT (Electromagnetic Transient) studies for equipment/IBR integration. Examples of studies may include Sub-synchronous torsional interaction studies (SSTI), week grid stability studies (both in RMS and EMT domain), use and development of advanced study methods and approaches to identify system resonances (such as impedance/frequency scans), among other topics. Knowledge of IBR equipment performance capabilities and limitations, screening methods used for weak grid studies, sub and super synchronous oscillations screening methods (such as impedance/frequency scans) are considered a plus. Visibility and understanding of recent IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) IBR related standards is also a plus.
The Senior Engineer will be required to work independently on multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal direct guidance and to oversee the performance of tasks assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s degree (MS) strongly preferred. Course studies in power system operation and planning, inverter-based resources, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques particularly using linear programming-based computer models are highly desirable.
• Seven years of related experience in power system planning is required for Senior Engineer level with mastery of topics relating to intermittent and/or inverter-based resources.
• Experience with computer programs used in transmission planning such as power flow, short circuit, and/or transient stability; working knowledge of power system analysis software applications such as PSCAD, E-Tran, EMTP-RV, PSS/E, GE PSLF, TARA, ASPEN, and Python software tools preferred.
• Proficiency in power system simulation programs mandatory from steady-state analysis to complex, rigorous dynamic and progressively more complicated transient modeling and simulation
• Knowledge of power system equipment and controls, particularly IBR controls, is highly desirable. Examples include IBR unit converter controls used in wind, solar-PV, BESS or VSC-HVDC equipment, plant level controllers, inertial/fast frequency controls, grid forming controls, etc.
• Experience with the use of APIs for studies and simulation automation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of current IBR related reliability standards is a plus.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally across different business units
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents and standards, create presentations and reports and present results to senior management.
• Ability to identify high priority tasks and justify prioritization, work semi-independently with limited from manager/other engineers is highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write presentations and articles using prescribed techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs. Experience with PC-based engineering applications is desired.
• Experience with computer simulation modeling desired. Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
  The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.
  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
  All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.
  The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

• Perform dynamic simulations (PSSE) and transient simulations (EMTP, PSCAD) involving complex control systems modeling, discrete model representation of electric power system network, evaluation of transient response, addressing oscillatory issues, examination of transient phenomena (fault recovery, and transient recovery voltage estimation) affecting power system reliability
• Perform studies to efficiently assess the impact of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) on the grid dynamics and develop mitigation strategies with support from the Principal, Grid Transition
• Develop detailed engineering study reports, NYISO manuals and other procedures.
• Stay up to date with the power system planning industry activities and potential future changes and drivers to adapt the NYISO’s planning process, models, and system analysis techniques.
• Use a broad-based knowledge of NYISO’s systems, markets, operations, and processes to develop and improve complex system models used in transmission security and operations engineering to plan and simulate the future electric grid (e.g., 1 through 10 years ahead, or longer as required). Adapt the models and methods to rapid electrical power system changes.
• Support NYISO’s input in the development of standards proposed by NYSRC, NPCC and NERC.
• Develop communication (e.g., reports, presentations, summary results and interpretation, etc.) and present or support as needed.
• Participate in working groups and tasks forces related to the Reliability Councils (e.g., NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC).
• Participate and support working groups and tasks forces related to the industry (e.g., FERC, EPRI, ESIG, IEEE, etc.).
• Coordinate with other NYISO departments, market participants, neighboring ISOs and with regional and inter-regional reliability groups as appropriate.
• Identify reliability and technical attributes necessary for a transitioning grid and work across planning and operations to implement capabilities and tools to address any gaps
• Review, and support products (e.g., models, simulation outputs, system analysis and conclusions, communication) developed by other team members.
• Improve the modeling and simulation methods, and the reporting tools.
• Routinely present study updates, results, and findings to stakeholders at NYISO working group meetings.
• Develop novel and unique technical methods to approach increasingly complex challenges associated with adapting the existing power system and power markets to accommodate renewable energy adoption.