Planning Engineer, Long Term Assessments

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 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 Long Term Assessments department invites applications for a full-time Planning Engineer.

The Planning Engineer position has the primary responsibility of performing a variety of power system planning and technical engineering studies evaluating the future reliability, economics, operations, and performance of the New York State power system. Studies performed by the Planning Engineer support the development of grid infrastructure and renewable energy target achievement. 

A Planning Engineer will be provided direct guidance on the assignments to be performed and the prioritization of tasks.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Perform techno-economic studies as part of the NYISO’s Economic Planning Process including the development of the biennial System & Resource Outlook study and other Requested Economic Planning Studies. 

• Perform techno-economic analyses to support NYISO’s technical role in the Coordinated Grid Planning Process.
• Collaborate with internal and external entities to support NYISO’s Comprehensive System Planning Process.
• Collaborate with internal and external entities to perform planning analyses to evaluate and guide adoption of New York State renewable energy and carbon free energy goals.  

• Develop, update, and maintain power system model databases using internal NYISO data sources as well as external data sources such as ISO/RTO publications, ABB/Hitachi Velocity Suite, SNL Energy, NREL, EPA, EIA, and DOE. 

• Tune and improve models through testing and benchmarking techniques. 

• Complete 20-year forward looking studies using production cost, capacity expansion, and other planning software tools/models including GE MAPS, Energy Exemplary PLEXOS, PowerGEM TARA, Siemens PTI PSSE, EPRI DynADOR, and other internally developed tools. 

• Perform data analyses and develop visualizations using Excel, Python, Matlab, R, Tableau, SAS, and/or PowerBI software packages.  

• Synthesize and communicate analytical findings both verbally and in writing. 

• Leverage writing skills to clearly document and communicate technical study work through email, papers, presentations, and reports, including the biennial System & Resource Outlook report and other aspects of NYISO’s Comprehensive System Planning Process. 

• Train colleagues on the methods and tools utilized in Economic Planning technical analyses. 

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or Applied Science required. Course studies in power systems, energy, renewable energy, data analysis, and/or optimization techniques particularly using linear programming-based computer models are highly desired. 
• Two years of industry or related professional experience desired. Experience performing data modeling, simulation and analysis with production cost tools (e.g. MAPS, Plexos, Aurora, UPLAN, GridView, PROMOD, etc); familiarity with other power system tools such as powerflow and transfer analysis (PSSE, TARA, PSLF, etc) is helpful; experience in an ISO/RTO, electric utility or consulting environment would be desired; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Familiarity or experience with long-term generation capacity and transmission expansion optimization models such as PLEXOS, AURORA, UPLAN, National Energy Modeling System (NEMS), Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS), Integrated Planning Model (IPM), Haiku, Market Allocation (MARKAL), RESOLVE, etc 
• Data analysis and visualization with programming/software such as Python, Matlab, Excel, Python, Matlab, R, Tableau, SAS, VBA, SQL and/or PowerBI software packages. 
• Other desirable experience/proficiencies include:  
  • Familiarity with power system planning, operations, or market design 
  • Familiarity with NERC, FERC requirements and regional reliability organizations such as NPCC or the NYSRC and experience with ISO/RTO market rules.

Candidates who possess Associate level (less than 2 years of experience) or Senior level (seven years of experience) skills and qualifications are also encouraged to apply.

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 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.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and the Internet.
• 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, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Contact with staff and public will occur.  Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training.­­­­­­­­­­­­ This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

The NYISO offers the flexibility to work both in the office and remotely, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance. While the majority of the responsibilities of this role can be performed remotely, in most cases, employees will have periodic on-site requirements based on business needs. 

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.

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.

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